Firefighters climbing for lung association

Members of the East Fork Professional Firefighters Association are participating in the American Lung Association's fundraising challenge in the name of Capt. John Bellona, a Gardnerville firefighter who was diagnosed with lung sarcoidosis last month.

The team will participate April 25 in a race up the 36-floor stairwell of the Silver Legacy in Reno to raise money for the American Lung Association.

Association spokesman Walt Kesteloot said Bellona, who is the president of the association, has served with the fire services for 30 years.

"He is never one to complain and continues to provide an outstanding level of service to our fire district and the citizens of Douglas County while expecting nothing in return," Kesteloot said. "John is a brother whose selflessness and dedication to public service will never go unnoticed. That is why we are dedicating our involvement this year to John and adding the name Bellona's Breathers to our team name."

For more information, sponsorship, or donations visit the following Web sites, climbthelegacy.com, click on the "Visitors" section and then "View our teams;" or contact Paul Azevedo at pazevedo@efpflocal3726.com.