Climbing for a cause

SAUGUS – Twice a week, a group of elderly residents of Laurel Towers assemble in the lobby to watch nine firefighters in full gear run up and down their 10 flights of stairs.There?s nothing wrong with the building, but the firefighters are climbing to save lives as they train for the American Lung Association?s Fight for Air Climb on Feb. 1. This is the third year that Saugus Fire Capt. Christopher Rizza has assembled a crew to ascend the 41 flights to the top of One Boston Place, and this year he hopes the team is able to raise $5,000 for the fund.On race day, the nine, including one Nahant firefighter and one former Saugus firefighter now working for Massport, will join firefighters from across the state in the climb. “It?s great to see people you work with from neighboring communities out of work,” said Rizza.But more than a bonding experience, Rizza said the training at Laurel Towers, which they endure for about two months before the race, is a tough workout. Wearing 50 pounds of gear, including bunker pants, a coat, a helmet and a breathing apparatus, is like “carrying a small child for 40 flights,” said Rizza, laughing.But gearing up for the race gets them in top condition for their jobs, too. “It?s great incentive to get the guys at work to stay in shape,” said Rizza. “It?s training without labeling it as training.”Training made all the difference for the group of seven last year. One firefighter who didn?t train took 30 minutes to complete the climb, compared to the fastest finisher of the Saugus group, who came in at nine minutes. Rizza said that firefighter is not attempting the Fight for Air climb this year.The firefighters going for the climb with Rizza are Rich Ragucci, Marco Tirella, Craig Serino, DJ Blandini, Chris Binard, Billy Mercurio, Massport firefighter John Resiegno and Nahant firefighter John Tibbo.Saugus Chief Donald McQuaid said of the group, “I just think it?s a great thing they?re doing. They?re working hard and putting in a lot of time.”