A team from East Pierce Fire and Rescue raised nearly $6,900 and conquered Seattle’s Columbia Tower in a collective 55 minutes and 46 seconds on Sunday.

East Pierce Fire and Rescue was one of 177 teams of firefighters to the Scott Firefighter Stairclimb, held annually at Columbia Tower for the benefit of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Firefighters solicit donations to their team in the lead up to the climb, then don their gear and climb the tower’s 69 flights while being timed. Additionally, the stairclimb hosts a chief’s race.

The event saw 1475 firefighters participate.

East Pierce entrants Mike McGinnis, Eric Allen and Matt Reinke made the 55:46 total, coming in 388th, 416th and 421st overall, respectively.

There were 65 racing chiefs. East Pierce chiefs Rick Goetz, John McDonald and Ed Goodlet came in 31st, 33rd and 34th, respectively.

Neighboring City of Buckley Fire Department made the Top 10 list of fundraisers in 2013, coming in fifth with $26,090.07.

The Scott Firefighter Stairclimb is one of two fundraising events hosted by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society to use the Columbia Tower. Registration for the March 24 “Big Climb,” open to the general public, is sold out.

Are you participating in the Big Climb? We’d like to know! Contact Daniel Nash with your team name and fundraising page so he can track your results and possibly get in touch for a future story.