Grayslake Firefighters Complete 'Fight for Air Climb'

Grayslake firefighters recently took fifth place in a charity event that required them to climb 680 stairs in full gear.

Five members of the Grayslake Fire Department participated in the Oakbrook Terrace "Fight for Air" competition Feb. 10, climbing 680 stairs (or 31 floors) in gear that included airpacks, according to the Grayslake Fire Department website.

Sixty-six firefighters participated in the event, including the following individuals from Grayslake: firefighter James Howell, who took 8th place; Lt. Jason Brooks, who took 16th place; firefighter Chris Mclaughlin, who took 26th; firefighter John Santner, who took 26th; and firefighter David Auer, whose timing equipment malfunctioned and didn't record his time, according to the Grayslake Fire Department website.

A total of 800 people participated in the Fight for Air Climb, raising more than $165,000 for the American Lung Association, according to The Doings Weekly.