Firefighters, Others from Westford ‘Fight for Air’

Firefighters and residents from Westford climbed more than 40 flights of stairs at the BNY Mellon Center on Washington Street in Boston on Feb. 1, as part of the American Lung Association’s annual “Fight for Air” event.

Called a “vertical road race” by organizers, the event raises money and awareness for lung cancer, asthma, air pollution and other breathing disorders.  

Residents participating in the race included Matt Story, who came in 26th for the Step By Step team; Ryan Mahoney, who ran for the Waffle Stompers and placed 101th; Nathan Hummer (126th) and Laurie Koski (174th) who ran for Climb for Muffins; Tony Gemmellaro, who ran for the Shire team and placed 347th; Jennifer Danton who placed 757th; and Ann Marie McLaughlin who came in 851st.

Firefighters who ran in full gear included James Mazzola, James Crocker, and Jon Duffy, who all live in Westford and work for the Groton Fire Department.

Ryan Thomson, a Portland, Maine firefighter, won the firefighter division; while Andrew Hashway of Somerville, a part of the Gentle Giant Moving Company team, finished first out of all entrants.

• For a complete list of winners, click here.
• For a complete list of firefighter winners, click here.

Danielle Masterson contributed to this report.