The Bright Fire Department team members who participated in the 2013 Fight for Air Climb to benefit the American Lung Association. Left to right: Capt. Jason Halcomb, Carole Barhorst, Tom Stevens Jr., Bekah Martin, Kyle Luebbe, LT. Chris Monday Bright Fire Department

(Cincinnati, Oh.) - Some local firefighters were a little winded after taking part in a fundraiser Sunday, but it was worth it.

The 2013 Fight for Air Climb challenged teams to run up the stairs at the Carew Tower, the second-tallest building in Cincinnati.

The Bright Fire Department had several members participate in the climb, scaling 45 flights of stairs for a total of 804 steps in an effort to raise money for the American Lung Association.

Bright firefighter Kyle Luebbe said the number one killer of firefighters is heart disease.

"The tasks involved in firefighting are very physically demanding. Since over 70 percent of the firefighters in the U.S. are volunteer, many of us don't have a regular fitness regiment and Bright Fire & EMS has been working to change that. Department members are now getting together three times a week, playing basketball or taking part in 'crossfit' type workouts. We thought this was a good way to measure our progress and to raise money for a great cause. We all love where we live and want to represent it well," Luebbe said.

The event raised close to $100,000 for the American Lung Association.

"Thanks to Haft's Top of the Line Bar, Los Primos Mexican Restaurant and Grote's Trading post that sponsored us to take part in this event," said Luebbe.