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Gen. Mike Minihan, Commander of Air Mobility Command, visits the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station June 8, 2024.

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NFARS Fire Department fights for air

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Andrew Caya
  • 914th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
NIAGARA FALLS AIR RESERVE STATION, N.Y. --  Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station Firefighters fought through the pain of climbing more than 800 steps this weekend in their firefighting gear. They ran up the forty stories to save people; not from a fire, but from a disease.

Five of NFARS Firefighters took part in the "Fight for Air Climb in Buffalo" hosted by the New York State Chapter of the American Lung Association on Saturday February 12, 2011 at the HSBC Center in downtown Buffalo, NY.

Kathleen O'Neil, communications manager for the ALA in NY said, "These 'fight for air climbs' are held all over the nation," "We look for skyscrapers because they are very challenging to climb."

The climb, which took place in the tallest building between Albany and Cleveland, hosted hundreds of runners and volunteers.

The NFARS fire fighters, who finished climbing the 40 stories in well under 20 minutes, were one of 12 firefighting companies who participated in the event. "It's a great team event and it's a great cause to support," said NFARS Fire Department Capt. Chad Larson "It's good to get out and have some friendly competition."

One woman, who has a deep understanding of the importance of this event, was very excited about the turnout and that the firefighters were supporting the cause. Carol Oleshansky was diagnosed with third stage lung cancer with a one in three chance of survival. "I beat the odds," she said with a smile. However, she didn't let the cancer dictate her life, as she ran eight marathons with the tumor inside her chest.

"It's all about attitude. The fact that all these people are here, running in this event is great," Ms. Oleshansky said. However, I think it needs to get bigger, with more involvement. I'd also like the fundraising to go to schools to educate the children on lung diseases, she said.

The NY chapter of the American Lung Association is slated to keep pushing awareness of lung diseases in NY and across the country and with the support of Ms. Oleshansky and the NFARS firefighters, it should be a successful campaign.

"We're thrilled to be here, in Buffalo and have the support of the community and we look forward to doing more for people with lung diseases," said Ms. O'Neil.