Firefighter/Medic Completes Scott Firefighter Stair Climb Challenge

On Sunday March 7th, 2010, Prince George's County Career Fire Fighter/Medic Stephen R. Langone completed the Scott Firefighter Stair Climb Challenge in Seattle, WA to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Firefighter Langone, 25 years of age, was one of over 1000 firefighters from across the country and the world to compete in this event. A spectator less, 69 story stair climb in full structural firefighting gear and breathing air, the climb challenges the lungs, legs and the minds of all participants'. This event is conducted within the concrete walls of Seattle's downtown Columbia Tower (formerly Bank of America tower). Firefighter Langone finished in an impressive 21 minutes and 58 seconds, placing him into the top third of all the stair climbers. At 788 feet of vertical elevation, the Columbia Center stands as the second tallest building west of the Mississippi. It takes 69 flights of stairs and 1,311 steps to reach the highly acclaimed observation deck overlooking the city.


The Scott Firefighter Stairclimb supports the mission of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, raising money through sponsorships, individual and department fundraising, and entry fees. In 2009, the event featured over 1,500 firefighters from 244 different departments and brought in a record $640,000 for blood-cancer research and patient services.

While this was Firefighter Langone's first stair climb, he is no stranger to athletic events for competition or charity. In addition to local races for various causes, Langone has represented Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department in a Firefighter Combat Challenge and as a three-time runner of the Marine Corps Marathon to benefit the IAFF Burn Foundation.

Firefighter Langone bore his own cost of travel and lodging expenses to participate in this charitable event. He is currently assigned to the Clinton Fire/EMS Station #825.

Upon hearing of Langone’s accomplishments, Prince George’s County Fire Chief Eugene A. Jones stated, “To posses the physical ability to compete at this level and that Fire Fighter/Medic Langone completed the challenge in such a timely fashion are both truly amazing. The only thing I find more impressive is Steve’s desire and choice to participate in this worthwhile charity event. I congratulate him for his efforts and performance.”

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