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Los Angeles Stair Climb 2010
"Elevators Are For Wimps" is the yearly motto in Los Angeles every September.
The US Bank Tower, located in downtown Los Angeles, is the tallest building west of the Mississippi. It stands more than 1000 feet tall with 75 stories and a total of 1,500 steps.
The Ketchum-Downtown YMCA, which is located inside the US Bank Tower, holds an annual charity event to raise money for kids, teens and adults. It is a growing event which raises money for preschools, teachers, school supplies, youth programs, college counseling and senior fitness programs.
From Left to Right:Engineer Jeff Silva ~ FFII Medic Steve Ismerio ~ Captain Josh Janssen ~ FFII Medic Steve Leverette
On September 24, 2010, the San Bernardino Unit (BDU) Fire Personnel listed above returned to Los Angeles for the 2010 Ketchum-Downtown YMCA Annual Stair Climb. This is the fourth consecutive year that our Unit has participated in this event.
The first year we participated in the event, we were the only CAL FIRE Team. This year there were nine CAL FIRE Teams and several other Fire Department Teams from all across the State.
Most individuals train for months to be able to climb this building; And they only wear workout gear and tennis shoes.
A few years ago they (Ketchum-Downtown YMCA) decided to add a "High Rise Heroes" division to honor the Fallen FDNY Firemen. This entails completing the event in full Structure Fire Protective Equipment that the members of FDNY were wearing during their climb up the Twin Towers (9/11/2001). The equipment adds around 60 lbs. to that of your body weight.
This year we completed the event in right at 40 minutes.
The first year we participated in the event, we were the only CAL FIRE Team. This year there were nine CAL FIRE Teams and several other Fire Department Teams from all across the State.
Most individuals train for months to be able to climb this building; And they only wear workout gear and tennis shoes.
A few years ago they (Ketchum-Downtown YMCA) decided to add a "High Rise Heroes" division to honor the Fallen FDNY Firemen. This entails completing the event in full Structure Fire Protective Equipment that the members of FDNY were wearing during their climb up the Twin Towers (9/11/2001). The equipment adds around 60 lbs. to that of your body weight.
This year we completed the event in right at 40 minutes.
As you can see, the view from the top is amazing.
The events total dollar amount raised this year was $281,290.00.
Congratulations to all whom participated !
Los Angeles television station NBC4 held a health and safety fair for their employees on Tuesday, August 10, 2010. CAL FIRE San Bernardino was invited to participate in the event. CAL FIRE San Bernardino has a long running relationship with NBC4, having taught the News Media Fire Safety class there for the last five years.
The event ran from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM and provided information for personal health, safety, and financial (retirement & investment) health and safety. There were also physical practitioners there providing spinal alignment checks, acupuncture relaxation, and hypnosis relaxation techniques.
CAL FIRE was the only public safety agency to attend the event. CAL FIRE had a little something for everyone, information for protecting and clearing your property, evacuation tips for home and pets, and Smokey Bear comics and coloring books for children at home. One person commented that they had been evacuated during the Station fire and took the sheet on evacuation tips saying that now they could be prepared if it ever happens again. One of the best things that happened was that CAL FIRE was the only one providing bags to carry all the things that were being given away. So at least for Tuesday, CAL FIRE bags could be seen all over the NBC4 lot.
The event was well attended by news personnel (NBC4 weatherman Fritz Coleman in photo) from NBC4 and Telemundo, their Spanish language affiliate along with other employees from the Burbank television operation there.
