Lowell Firefighters Credit Union Supports Firefighter Challange

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The firefighters are taking part in the 2018 B-Fit First Responders Challenge hosted by the Boston Bruins, as they seek to raise at least $3,000 for the 100 Club of Massachusetts, a charity that supports the families of fallen police officers and firefighters.

LOWELL -- Most people who head to the TD Garden in Boston have a fun time planned, whether they're catching a game or a concert, but for 10 Lowell firefighters who are heading there later this month, a little less fun is on tap.

The firefighters head to the Garden on Jan. 28 to run about 1.3 miles, much of it up stairs, while wearing their roughly 70 pounds worth of turnout gear in an effort to raise money for fallen colleagues.

The firefighters are taking part in the 2018 B-Fit First Responders Challenge hosted by the Boston Bruins, as they seek to raise at least $3,000 for the 100 Club of Massachusetts, a charity that supports the families of fallen police officers and firefighters.

Last year the event raised about $130,000 in all, according to the Boston Bruins, which hosts the event to help promote both The 100 Club and awareness of the importance of health and fitness.

"In a profession where any shift can be your last, knowing an organization like The 100 Club is out there and will look after our families if the ultimate sacrifice is made gives our brothers and sisters peace of mind," said Lt. Dave Keene.

The firefighters will don their gear in the morning, and run up the garden's steps before running a lap around one concourse, then another, then another, on a route that's about 1.3 miles long according to team captain Firefighter Mike Dexter.

The firefighters put their group together quickly, and have been buoyed by large donations from Madison Security, Fay-McCabe Funeral Home, W.L. French Excavating Corp., J Mike Ponte Floor Covering, the Lowell Firefighters Credit Union and the International Association of Firefighters Local 853.

"We don't rely solely on major contributions, though," Dexter said. "Any donation from $5 to $10 goes a long way as every bit helps."

Those taking part are Capt. Robert Beane, Lts. Dave Keene, Sean Quealy, Kevin McCauley, and firefighters Mike Dexter, Manny Martinez, Ryan Underwood, Dave McNeil, Will Garcia, and Buntha Kouy.

To make a contribution visit: www.crowdrise.com/o/en/campaign/2018-b-fit-first-responders-challenge1.