Drumheller Firefighters Duane Bolin, Zaynah Chomas, Merv Smith and Ken Vereschagin are set to embark on an endurance test only few have ever experienced.
The 3rd annual Firefighter Stairclimb Challenge held in Calgary’s Bow Tower will take place on Sunday, April 29, where professionals will test their skills.
Firefighters registered from across the province will undergo friendly competition to raise funds for the Firefighters Assistance Charitable Society (FACS).
Winners will be identified through best times in specific divisions.
“A couple of guys from my school were going to do it and then I talked to some of the guys here and they have been doing it since then and I think it’s for a great cause. It’s definitely something that gets people’s attention to thank their firefighters and donate because with cancer there is over an 80 per cent chance but as a firefighter in the line of duty, cancer is a big possibility,” said Chomas.
Stairs have clearly been the key component to successfully tackling the 1204 stairs it takes to reach the top. The team of four trains by running up the Telus building as it is the tallest building in Drumheller. They also wear 50 lbs of equipment and protective gear.
“That is honestly the best way you can do it,” said Chomas. “When I first thought about it, I thought I would just go in my gym clothes and I was like ‘No, when I put on my gear it will be way harder.’”
In September of 2016, Chomas witnessed her first car accident on Highway 9. This was where she first fell in love with the job.
“I got to see all the firefighters doing their thing and then I thought to myself ‘I think that is pretty cool’ so I looked into it a bit more and then I did my fire course at Emergency Services Academy and again fell head over heels with it,” said Chomas.
She recently finished her six month probation period with the Drumheller Fire Department. She decided to take a year to gain more experience in the field then return to finish her studies as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).
“It’s a good feeling to get one of your first big accomplishments as a firefighter,” said Chomas.
Chomas is one of the guys when it comes to the firehall environment.
“It’s amazing,” said Chomas. “It is everything like I thought it would be and the guys are super awesome. They try to make a point of me getting in the action and getting all the experience that I can for the year that I’m here.”
Chomas is both nervous and excited for the upcoming event.
“Hopefully there is an ambulance on standby,” laughed Chomas.
