Saint Paul Fire finished third out twelve teams in the 29th annual Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s “Climb for a Cure” stair climbing competition held February 6, 2010 at the IDS Center in Minneapolis. Firefighters Jesse Schneider and Eric Hoel both led the Saintly city’s bravest up to the 50th floor, reaching the summit in 8 minutes and 44 seconds.

Minneapolis Fire won the overall competition for the fourth straight year, with the MFD’s Dan Casper taking the individual title with a time of 6 minutes and 35 seconds. Minneapolis Police took second place.

Thirty five climbers, including seven from celebrity partners KSTP Television, represented Saint Paul Fire in the event. More importantly, our department handed over $7,000 in contributions for Cystic Fibrosis research. The team wishes to thank Dan Cotroneo, representing the Police and Firefighters Association, for co-sponsoring the event and hosting the awards ceremony. Special thanks go out to Drew Pawlitschek, for his generous donation of $5,000 from the Saint Paul Firefighters’ 2010 calendar, and to all the firefighters of Local 21 for their contributions to this great cause.

The 2010 "Climb for a Cure" team members were: Chief Tim Butler, Jerry Deno, Brian Kroeger, Mike Aspnes, Jonathan Doane, Jeremy Barta, Neal Forrest, Greg Duren, Ken Gilliam, Mike Engle, Mike Hogan, Eric Popp, Dave Garcia, Jeff Eskierka, Marc Linsenman, Todd Fisher, Mike Hoy, Tom McDonough, Tommy McDonough, Will McDonough, Drew Pawlitschek, Jay Trombley, Jesse Schneider, Brent Knodle, Eric Hoel, Jim Hoel, Jeff Chermak, Erin Slaikeu, Leah McLean (KSTP), Jennifer Griswold (KSTP), Elizabeth Ries (KSTP), Melissa Specken (KSTP), Lee Zwiefelhofer (KSTP), Luke Garrison (KSTP), and Jake Kramar (KSTP).

Look for us to do even better next year! If interested in participating in the 2011 event, contact Mike Aspnes or Jeff Eskierka