Stepping up to the challenge

It’s a challenge.

Ask any of the over 1,500 firefighters signed up for Seattle’s 22nd annual Scott Firefighter Stair Climb Sunday March 10 why they’re willing to don their protective gear and ascend 788 feet virtually straight up the Columbia Center Tower – the second tallest building west of the Mississippi River – and that’s the answer you’ll likely get.

But probably all of them, including the six members of Spokane County Fire District 3 signed up to take part in this year’s climb, will say it’s not only about the challenge to self. It’s also about becoming one with those facing the daily c...