Roseland's Andy Vogel Second Fastest Firefighter; Perry Lee Highest Individual Fundraiser; as Fire Department Competes in New York City “Fight for Air” Stair Climb

by Carolyne Volpe Curley / Carolyne@WestEssexNOW.com
Published 6:03pm

Roseland Fire Department climbers at the top of 1 Penn Plaza after the race. From Left: Lieutenant/EMT Matt Popola, Firefighter Andy Vogel, Firefighter/EMT Barry Bachenheimer, Firefighter Perry Lee, 1st Asst. Chief Rich Loveless Credit: Roseland Fire Dept

ROSELAND, NJ - On Saturday, five members of the Roseland Fire Department  took part in the American Lung Association's “Fight for Air Climb" at 1 Penn Plaza in New York City. The annual fundraising event challenges fire departments to compete against each other in a race up 55 flights of stairs while wearing full protective gear. 

Firefighters from around the tri-state area Credit: Roseland Fire Department

First Asst. Chief Richard Loveless, 
Lieutenant/EMT Matt Popola, 
Firefighter/EMT Barry Bachenheimer 
and Firefighters Andy Vogel and Perry Lee raced against hundreds of their fellow laddermen from around the tri-state area in the unique "vertical road race." Ultimately, their team's average was 15 minutes, 40 seconds for the full 55 flights, made up of 22 steps between each floor.

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Firefighter Andy Vogel warming up before racing Credit: Roseland Fire Dept

The long hours of training paid off for Vogel who accomplished being First in his age group with a time of 10:20, as well as the Second Fastest Firefighter overall. 

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A view from bottom of 1 Penn Plaza Credit: Roseland Fire Dept

The effort was all part of a massive effort to benefit the American Lung Association. By raising $4,113 for the cause, the Roseland team was the Second Highest Fire Department and the First Highest Volunteer Department for fundraising.

The Highest Individual Fundraiser overall was Firefighter Perry Lee.

“I run this race in memory of my Cousin Anne,
who passed away from a lung disease," Lee commented.
"I’m really pleased to do this with my brother firefighters.
We get in shape, have a good time, and raise money for a good cause.”

Volunteers are always welcome.

Further Information
Roseland Fire Department
Fire Chief: Kent Yates
300 Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ 07068
973-403-6065
Website 
Twitter 
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The Roseland Fire Department is an all-volunteer department consisting of 41 members whose primary mission is to provide professional fire and rescue services to the Borough of Roseland and the surrounding area. The department is celebrating its 102nd year of service and responds to approximately 250 calls per year.

The American Lung Association is the leading organization dedicated to saving lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through education, advocacy and research. The organization provides support and education for those living with asthma, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and fights external threats to lung health.