August 14, 2007 - Lake Charles, LA Local 561 once again showed their support for the Muscular Dystrophy Association and the 850 families it serves in Southwest Louisiana by sponsoring the First Annual MDA Climb for Kids. This event was held at the Capital One Tower on Lakeshore drive in Lake Charles on Saturday, June 23, 2007.

The MDA Climb for Kids was a timed, 22 floor stair climb in which each participant was fully bunkered. With a total of 27 participants, the Lake Charles Fire Department was able to raise an astounding $2,870. Fire Fighter Johnny Watkins had the fastest time of four minutes and thirty-two seconds.

After the climb, many of the fire fighters also participated in a mini-triathlon, which consisted of a charged hose pull, hose roll, and dummy drag. An awards ceremony honoring the top three runners, mini-game winners, and individual fundraisers concluded Saturday’s activities.