For 18 years, Golden Valley Fire Department Battalion Chief Ken Bence has participated in the American Lung Association’s Fight For Air Climb, a rigorous stair-climbing challenge that raises funds to support research and fight lung disease. What started as a workplace endeavor became a deeply personal mission.
Bence first joined the event as a paid-on-call firefighter in 2008 while working for Medica, as the Medica Foundation was a sponsor that year. While browsing event information, he discovered they had a firefighter challenge—an opportunity to climb in full firefighting gear. With his dual roles at Medica and the Golden Valley Fire Department (GVFD), the event became a natural connection between his professional and firefighting work. The following year, Bence’s father passed away from emphysema, which further motivated him to want to support the work of the Lung Association.
Since its inception, the GVFD has been a consistent presence at Fight For Air Climb, with as many as 12 team members participating in previous years. This year, five GVFD firefighters are expected to take part. Over the years, the department has raised more than $100,000 for the cause and hopes to add another $5,000 to that total in 2024. “As firefighters, it is so important to protect our lungs,” says Bence. “Maintaining your health and wellness is crucial to stay in shape and prevent disease, especially in this line of work.”
The Fight For Air Climb will take place on Saturday, March 1 2025, with registration open now and onsite registration available the day of the event. The GVFD encourages community members to join the cause, whether by participating, donating, or cheering on local firefighters as they take on the challenge.
To learn more and support the effort, visit fightforairclimb.org.