SEATTLE — Over a thousand firefighters eagerly awaited the 69 flights of stairs Sunday, though knowing how exhausted they would be in less than an hour.
Firefighters from North Kitsap Fire & Rescue and Poulsbo Fire Department were among the ranks facing the daunting challenge, climbing to ease the pain of others — to benefit the work of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Together, the two North End teams raised $17,008 through the support of friends, family and community members in the last few months.
While the fastest finisher overall was Andrew Drobeck of the Missoula, Mont., Fire Department at 10 minutes 39 seconds, North Kitsap climbers weren’t far behind. Here is a list of NKF&R and Poulsbo climbers and their times:
Brian Ramey (PFD) in 15:48
Shane Keeley (PFD) in 16:27
Jasper Stenstrom (NKF&R) in 16:30
Bruce Lowry (PFD) in 16:53
Tyler Williams (NKF&R) in 17:14
Sherman Williamson (NKF&R) in 17:29
Mark Cooney (NKF&R) in 18:07
Justin Zeigler (PFD) in 19:39
Shane Seyboldt (NKF&R) in 20:25
Ryan Sommer (PFD) in 20:38
Chris Strickland (PFD) in 21:31
Scott Trueblood (NKF&R) in 21:58
Heath Clark (NKF&R) in 25:27
Kris Osera (NKF&R) in 28:13
Todd Bailey (NKF&R) in 28:48
Glen Rotsten (NKF&R) in 33:21
Chad Equatore (PFD) in 35:29
Sommer, in his third year participating, said it is worth it every time.
“Every time I do it I enjoy it when I’m done,” he said, minutes after he completed the 1,311 steps. “But it’s the worst 20 minutes of your life.”
