While firefighters are used to a great degree of physical exertion, a trio from Cochrane Fire Services are taking it to the next level.

It is the first year firefighters Captain Martin Reuter, Jason Hamel, and Dave Levisky, are participating in the 3 Peaks Stairclimb Challenge which will see the men essentially climb the worlds three tallest peaks, Everest, K2, & Kanchenjunga or just over 26,000 metres for a great cause.

After participating in a friendly competition last year to raise monies and non perishables for the Veteran's Food Bank, Levisky decided a challenge such as 3 Peaks would bring more awareness to the needs and requirements of the Veteran's Food Bank, which supports vets of all ages. "In talking to (Calgary Veteran's Food Bank), they really communicated to us, it's not just vets from the Korean war it's more Afghanistan and so forth. It's young families that are having difficulties." The Calgary Veteran's Food Bank offers immediate help to anyone in need away that has served our country and their dependants. 

While his co- workers run the four storey tower in gym clothes, Levisky, has been getting quite the leg work out running the practice tower stairs 3-4 times a week (each interval working out to roughly 86 flights of stairs) dressed in full bunker gear and air pack equating to an extra 75lbs of weight. "I've always wondered if the rabbit or the turtle wins the race, and it's the turtle. It's slow and steady, it's all about pace."

In the end the firefighters will have climbed 86,000 feet to bring awareness to those men and women in need who have served our country and are hoping to complete the third peak by November 10. "As we are coming closer to Memorial Day, just think about our veterans and all thay have done for us over the years."

You can help the firefighters surpass their $1000 goal by donating here; or drop off non perishable items, gift cards, or cash donations at the firehall or Cochrane Legion.