CFD Raises $6K in 2025 LLS Stairclimb
Published on March 05, 2025
Six members of the Caldwell Fire Department are stepping up, literally, to fight blood cancer at the 2025 Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) Firefighter Stairclimb. This year’s event, taking place on March 9 at the iconic Columbia Center in Seattle, Washington, will challenge firefighters from across the country to climb 69 flights of stairs in full turnout gear and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), all in support of LLS’s mission to find cures and provide patient support.
Caldwell Fire is proud to have a representative from each rank participating in the climb, showcasing the entire department’s dedication to this cause. The following are representing the department in this grueling test of endurance: Battalion Chief Jose Martinez (Caldwell Fire’s top fundraiser for the event); Captain Dan Garcia; Engineer Sergey Linnik; Engineer Justin Hughes; Firefighter Dane Evarts; and Firefighter Josh Maggard.
The team has already raised nearly $6,000 and will continue fundraising until donations close. The LLS Firefighter Stairclimb is the world's largest on-air stair climb competition, drawing over 2,000 firefighters annually to honor and support those battling leukemia, lymphoma, and other blood cancers.
Battalion Chief Jose Martinez shared his motivation for taking on the challenge: “What started as an opportunity to challenge myself and support a great cause has become deeply personal over the years. I’ve seen firsthand how cancer affects loved ones, from my brother-in-law to most recently, my own sister, who just completed chemotherapy for breast cancer. Even the person who helped book my hotel for this event is a lymphoma survivor and expressed his gratitude for what we’re doing. The brief discomfort and exhaustion I’ll experience during the climb are nothing compared to the battles these individuals fight every single day. That’s what drives me to keep climbing.”
Martinez has said in previous years that it would be his last climb, and as he approaches retirement, he made the same statement again this year, yet he’s already second-guessing that decision. The cause and the impact of this event make it hard for many to step away completely, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see Martinez back again next year.
A huge thank you to Caldwell Albertsons on Blaine for allowing the team to raise $2,995.61 while on site, and to Dutch Bros for contributing $1,735 and providing a space for both customer and company donations. The generosity of these businesses and the community is making a significant impact in the fight against blood cancer.
Caldwell Fire Department encourages community members to support their team as they prepare for this physically demanding event. Donations can be made at the official team page: https://events.lls.org/pages/wa/firefighterstairclimb25/CaldwellFireDepartment.