Firefighters scale Sky Tower

Te Puke Fire Chief Glenn Williams is proud of Te Puke firefighter’s efforts to raise $4000 for charity by stepping up to complete the Sky Tower Challenge.

Firefighters Steve Bradford, Laurence Cameron, Josh Molan, Matt Cooke, Karl Simmons, Liz cooper and Tom Scott climbed the Sky Tower’s 1103 steps in full firefighting gear to raise money for Leukaemia and Blood Cancer.

Glenn is proud to have been able to support the team’s efforts and witness an amazing event on Saturday.

“Our firefighters all completed the climb between 15 and 22 minutes, which is a creditable effort from the team.

“Tom Scott also completed the climb in around two and a half hours, which is also an amazing feat.”

Tom is a former professional firefighter forced to leave the service after becoming injured in a fire appliance rollover in Taupo in 1995.

On November 19, 1995, Tom was riding in the back seat of the fire truck on his way to a call with the rest of the brigade when the truck flipped on Huka Falls Road, leaving him partially paralysed.

Glenn says Tom, who can walk with the assistance of crutches, also competed in the climb last year.

Tom Scott competing in the Sky Tower Challenge on Saturday.

He says the whole event was amazing with a total of $315,000 nationwide raised for the foundation.

“Some of the team were a little nervous before the climb but all were pumped to get to the top and now they have done it once, all are keen to do it again next year.

“One of the fire fighters had been ill before the event with the flu but took part nevertheless and was encouraged to the finish line by one of her team mates.”

Glenn says the woman had to seek medical treatment the next day “so it makes her accomplishment even more amazing”.

“Overall I am extremely proud that these guys are members of the Te Puke Fire Brigade.”