The Crowsnest Pass Fire/Rescue volunteer was one of over 300 firefighters from across North America who raised funds and awareness for citizens living with cancer by competing in the second annual Firefighters Stairclimb Challenge on May 1.

Le Fort posted the seventh best time, racing up the 1204 steps of Calgary’s Bow building in only 12 minutes and 22 seconds wearing 20 kilograms of gear.

“Towards the end, I really felt it in my lungs,” he said.

Crowsnest firefighters Meagan Muff and Shane Hopkins also participated while Fire/Rescue members Ryan Tieman and Pat Bock helped fundraise but couldn’t make the stair-climb.

Together, the five members raised $1,675 for Wellspring Calgary, an organization that supports people living with cancer.

“It was a great opportunity to fundraise and network with other fire departments,” said Muff.

“But my chest sure took a beating,” added Hopkins.

The event was hosted by the Calgary Firefighters Benevolent Society and raised more than $180,000 for Wellspring.

The event is modeled after a similar stair climb in Seattle and is billed as the highest elevation firefighter stair climb in the world. Participants start at over 1000 metres above sea level. With its 55 flights of steps, the Bow is the highest building in Western Canada.