The Pella Fire Department is once again participating in the American Lung Association’s Fight for Air Climb in April.

Pella Fire Chief Doug Van Gorkom tells KNIA/KRLS News the department has rallied for the cause of funding research for various lung diseases after his wife Susan received a double lung transplant for a rare illness two years ago.

Van Gorkom says they have the goal of once again being the top fundraising fire department in the state, as they were in 2016.

Firefighter Jeremy Scott says the department has sent a team each of the last three years to climb stairs in downtown Des Moines as well, a task made more difficult as participating firefighters will wear their gear throughout.

To contribute to the Pella Fire Department’s Fight for Air Climb team, click here.