The Pella Fire Department was once again among the top teams in the state in raising funds for the American Lung Association.

Pella Fire Chief Doug Van Gorkom says they exceeded their fundraising goal for their third year of participating in the Fight for Air Climb. As of Thursday, the group raised a total of just under $9700–which well surpasses their anticipated mark of $8000.

“I think it’s a great thing, I think they can see their reward for the effort they put into doing this, and we’re just going to keep escalating this,” Van Gorkom says. The department has plans for an additional fundraising event this fall.

Thousands of people from around the state converged in downtown Des Moines for the annual American Lung Association Fight for Air Climb on April 9th. Participants climbed flights of stairs, in the case of firefighters, while wearing their gear. More than $14,000 has been raised by Pella Fire, Pella Police, and Pella resident Emily Haase’s team.

For the race, Pella Fire’s first relay group finished 4th place among other departments, and the Pella PD finished fifth among law enforcement.

Fundraising is open for another month for these teams:
Donate to:
Team Emily
Pella Police
Pella Fire