DES MOINES — Five Montezuma and two Deep River Fire Department volunteers recently took part in a stair climb event to test their endurance while raising money for a good cause.

Curtis Bolen, Bill Bolen, Joel Kercheval, Erik Kriegel and Troy Bliss, with the Montezuma Fire Department, suited up in full gear complete with SCBA air tanks and walked 79 flights of stairs in the American Lung Association Flight For Air Climb held in downtown Des Moines.

They were joined by Jay and Kelsey DeWeese, with the Deep River Fire Department, who took part in the stair climb in non-firefighter bunker gear.

The event, held Sunday, March 30, drew nearly 700 individuals, groups, relay teams, corporate teams, health and fitness groups, firefighters (with and without SCBA gear), law enforcement personnel, children, young people, adults and family and friends from across the state.

“The event gives you the option to wear street clothes or full or modified bunker gear,” said Curtis.

Participates climbed stairs in three buildings, all connected by the skywalk.

The EMC Insurance Companies building has 15 floors, 371 steps; Hub Tower, 16 floors (walked twice), 648 steps; and the Ruan Building, 32 floors, 637 steps.

In total, participants walked 79 floors and 1,656 steps.

Montezuma’s Curtis Bolen finished in ninth place in the firefighter category with full SCBA gear with a time 23.57. The time is based the stair climb portion and not walking from building to building.

The Montezuma Fire Department opted to participate in the stair climbing event thanks in part to Bliss, one of the department’s newer members, who had previously participated in the event while at the Newton Fire Department.

“It’s something I’ve heard a lot about and seen on social media and the news,” said Curtis. “It’s something I’ve kind of wanted to do.”

Participates are asked to raise funds for the American Lung Association as part of the event. Montezuma raised $1,100 through donations.

Curtis said all the Montezuma participants raised funds, helping the American Lung Association reach a goal of $189,273.67.

Des Moines is one of 40 cities that participate in the Flight For Air Climb event. The annual event draws 20,000 climbers. This is the 22nd year for the Iowa Fight For Air Climb.

“I went to cheer on our local firemen,” said Jacki Bolen, wife of Bill Bolen. “They did a great job for such a grueling challenge.”

“It was quite an experience to be a part of,” said Curtis. “It was a great event.”