Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Featured in First American Lung Association Fight For Air Climb Firefighter Calendar

Today, the American Lung Association launched its inaugural 2021 Fight For Air Climb Firefighter Calendar to honor local heroes and support the vision of a world free of lung disease. The first-ever calendar features Lt. Jeanette Harrington of Miami-Dade Fire Rescue.

Every year, hundreds of firefighters race up hundreds of stairs in full gear weighing over 45 pounds during the American Lung Association’s Miami Fight For Air Climb. Calendars can be pre-ordered starting today for $20 each, to be delivered in October. Each calendar features photos of firefighters at their local Fight For Air Climb from Los Angeles and New York to Milwaukee, Miami and everywhere in between.

Harrington was chosen as one of the Lung Association’s top Fight For Air Climb supporters nationwide. She has participated in the Miami Fight For Air Climb for six years and raised more than $27,000. The Miami-Dade Fire Rescue team and Local 1403 have raised more than $142,000 for the Lung Association over 16 years participating in the event.

"Every year, I am honored to take part in this local event. This is more than raising funds, this is personal for me. I climb every step for those who are near and dear to me and who may not be able to do this on their own. I climb for those who support me every step of the way to the top of that tower,” said Harrington. “I unconditionally join this climb in hopes that every step that I climb can help bring us a step closer to finding a cure for a disease that has already affected too many of our local heroes."

“In the line of duty, firefighters are regularly exposed to smoke, gasses, chemicals and other substances that can be damaging to their lungs, making them at an increased risk for chronic issues, including lingering cough, hoarseness, asthma, and allergies, and in more extreme cases, lung or bronchial cancer,” said Chrissy Cohen, executive director of the Lung Association. “Firefighters are out there saving lives every day, so hopefully the work we do at the American Lung Association can help prevent lung disease and find a cure for lung cancer. We are honored that so many local heroes, including the amazing Lt. Harrington, participate in our event.”

Respiratory diseases remain a significant health issue for firefighters and emergency responders. One of the many pollutants found in smoke is particle pollution, which is a mix of tiny solid and liquid particles suspended in air so small that they enter and lodge deep in the lungs. Firefighters can inhale smoke and a wide range of chemicals that may be present in a burning building.

The Fight For Air Firefighter Calendars will include fire-safety tips and statistics on how fires affect our lung health, as well as tips for how to train for your next Fight For Air Climb.

For more information about the Fight For Air Firefighter Calendar visit Lung.org/Calendar.