Scott Debienne completed the Firefighter Stairclimb Challenge in Calgary June 9. (Scott Debienne/Facebook)

By Cam Lee

Raising money, awareness

Carrot River man completes Firefighter Stairclimb Challenge

Jun 19, 2024 | 2:41 PM

A former firefighter from Carrot River raised some money and awareness at an event in Calgary this month.

Scott Debienne finished the Firefighter Stairclimb Challenge June 9, climbing over 1,300 stairs in firefighting gear to raise money in memory of his father, a former firefighter who died of cancer.

Debienne told northeastNOW he is pleased with how the challenge went.

“Things went well. I got a personal best, I beat my previous time in a taller building with more stairs by about four minutes,” Debienne explained.

He said the event featured a lot of brotherhood, fellowship, and camaraderie. Debienne met Calgary fire chief Steve Dongworth at the event, and he was awed that the 67-year-old was able to beat his time.

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“I’ve got some improvement to do for next year.”

Dongworth and another firefighter that Debienne met that was also in his 60’s have given Debienne motivation and reminded him that he’s got another 12 to 15 years of doing the challenge.

“I plan on doing it again next year. This year the plan was to do it…in honour of dad, it was going to be my only time, but I think I might climb annually in honour of dad, at least for now,” said Debienne.

Debienne was also able to raise over $4,500 in memory of his father Dale, who passed away last year of suspected firefighter-related cancer. Donations are open until the end of June.

Firefighters run toward danger when everyone else runs away, and Debienne said that can lead to health issues down the road. What can also contribute is the turnout gear they wear that contains polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS), so-called “forever chemicals” that can lead to cancer.

The Prince Albert Fire Department recently received eight sets of turnout gear that are free of cancer-causing chemicals. Debienne, though, is concerned that there is still danger involved with the new suits as he has heard anecdotally that the new gear could allow carcinogens to go through the uniforms. His hope is that gear continues to develop in the coming years and offer more protection for firefighters.

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Cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @northeastNOW_SK