CFD Brothers team travels to KC to participate in Air Climb

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Members of the Concordia Fire Department were among the firefighters participating in the American Lung Association Fight for Air Climb at Kansas City One Place on Sunday.
The Concordia Fire Department (CFD) Brothers team in the event, which raises funds for the American Lung Association, were Derek Champlin, Kelsey Larsen, Levi Whitley, Erin Williams, and honorary member Jace Champlin.
The firefighters wore full bunker gear adding about 65 pounds to their bodies during the climb up 42 floors (902 stairs).
Each climber wore a banner over their tanks with names of people who have suffered, or are suffering, due to a lung-related disease or illness.
The CFD Brothers team was presented the plaque for winning the event as a team last year.
Whitley defended his 2018 title as the fastest climber with a time of 11:17.
The CFD Brothers team bettered its average time of 20:00 last year with 18:01 this year, an finished behind Gladstone.
Gladstone's average time was 14:31.
The Concordia Fire Department is appreciative of the community in helping raise $1,629 for the American Lung Association's ongoing research and support for lung-related illnesses and diseases and would like to thank the media outlets for the coverage, Yeti Yoga participants, business donors, and private donors.