Firefighters to climb steps for benefit

Scott Beagle’s thighs have never been so sore. In the last four months, Beagle and his friend, Ryan Andreessen, have grown to appreciate just how difficult of a challenge it is to climb 69 stories of stairs, as quickly as possible, while carrying 50 pounds of gear.

The Libby Volunteer Fire Department (LVFD) duo will travel to Seattle this weekend and make that climb Sunday during the Scott Firefighter Stairclimb at the Columbia Center. The bragging-rights event also raises money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Beagle, 43, did not think much of the challenge until he and Andreessen made their first practice run on Libby Dam’s 35-story staircase.

“It’s tough to battle the heat,” Beagle said, referring to the constricting nature of a fireman’s outer protective layer known as turnout gear. “I didn’t think it would be that bad.”

Both Andreessen and Beagle said the combination of a physical challenge and a good cause attracted them to the event.

“I was in a class in Missoula last year, and a guy there said he does it every year,” Beagle said. “It is a neat opportunity to do something fireman- related to test my physical ability.”

A LVFD member since 2001, Andreeseen, 37, decorates his office at Timberline Auto Center with newspaper clips covering fires he has fought and a wooden ax from 2011 signed by department members.

“I love the organization, the brotherhood and the chance to help people,” Andreessen said of his department. “Maybe we can make this an annual thing and get some more guys involved next year.”

Both men have friends and family affected by the diseases their participation will raise money to combat. Andreessen’s cousin’s husband, Mike Funk, died from a form of leukemia. Beagle’s son, Ryan Daniel Beagle, got his middle name from his mother’s close friend who died from cancer.

Scott Beagle, who works as assistant principal at Libby Elementary School, also said he has several co-workers and family friends affected by cancer.

“It’s a worthy cause,” Beagle said.

Despite being near the ages athletes typically retire, the men have sparked a friendly competition. When the rubber meets the steps, Beagle will enjoy the advantage of running second.

“My goal is the 18-minute mark,” Beagle said. “I’ll be happy if I beat him by one second.”

The international event will send one of 1,800 competitors up the steps every 14 seconds. Those interested in donating may do so by sponsoring Andreessen, Beagle or LVFD on the event webpage. Just click “donate” in the upper right corner.