INNISFAIL – A trio of Innisfail firefighting heroes have stepped up 1,370 times to help those impacted by cancer.
On June 9, Innisfail fire chief Gary Leith, along with local firefighters Steven Kennedy and Ella Heistad, were once again in Calgary to take part in the 10th annual Firefighter Stairclimb Challenge; an event to raise money for for Wellspring Alberta, a charity to provide free supports to anyone diagnosed with cancer, their caregivers and their families.
“This event not only showcases our dedication, but also raises crucial awareness about the risks we face daily, with cancer being the leading cause of line-of-duty deaths among firefighters,” said Calgary Fire Chief Steve Dongwort, who participated in the stairclimb’s Challenge the Chief event.
“Working with organizations like Wellspring Alberta ensures important resources reach those who need them, including firefighters battling cancer.”
Innisfail’s firefighting trio joined more 450 firefighters from across Alberta in this year’s milestone stairclimb, which called for participants to scale Calgary’s tallest tower, Brookfield Place while wearing about 30 lbs. of modified firefighter gear.
Brookfield Place is Calgary’s tallest tower with an elevation gain of 247 metres, 57 stories, and 1,370 steps.
“It was a bit chilly in the morning but we set off at 10, and by 17 minutes past 10, we were at the top,” said Leith, adding the 2024 event was his seventh Calgary stairclimb.
He said local firefighter Kennedy had the fastest Innisfail time climbing 1,370 steps to the top at 16 minutes and 14 seconds, which was good enough for a sixth place finish in the over 50 category.
His time beat his firefighting boss Leith, who finished ninth in the same category.
As for Heistad she completed the stairclimb at “around” 24 minutes, said Leith.
When it was over the trio from Innisfail raised just under $2,000 for Wellspring Alberta.
Of course times are just the fun part of the stairclimb, as Leith, like all other participants, were more focused on the mission to battle cancer.
“Unfortunately, cancer generally touches everybody in our society nowadays. My dad passed away four years ago with cancer,” said Leith.
“It’s important to keep raising the profile and have funds to support people who are living through it.”
