An Okotoks firefighter used to make some pretty big saves that would drive Foothills area lacrosse fans nuts.
However, everyone will be cheering for Tim Houghton when he makes a big save on May 5 — one step at a time.
Houghton, a three-year firefighter with the Okotoks Fire Department, is climbing 1,205 steps at Calgary’s Bow Building in the annual Firefighter Stairclimb Challenge in support of firefighters and citizens impacted by cancer.
“This is my first-year doing the stairclimb,” the 25-year-old Houghton said. “I know lots of guys who have done it, and I have always found an excuse not to dot it.
“So this year I figured I would do it. We have always had people from our department participate.”
Houghton said he is dedicating the stairclimb to his two grandfathers who both died from cancer.
The climb has the firefighters foregoing the elevator to trek to the top of the Bow tower with breathing apparatus, helmet and other gear.
He estimates the weight at around 50 pounds.
Houghton is in good shape, but his training program might not be ideal for climbing stairs — a long taper Down Under.
“It’s going to be tough for me, I just spent a month in Australia,” Houghton said. “I haven’t been working out very much — just sitting by the beach.”
A struggle, but Houghton is cautiously – very cautiously – optimistic.
“It’s no cakewalk but I should be able to make it,” Houghton said with a chuckle. “There is no time limit.”
Okotoks Jr. A Raider fans will recognize Houghton — especially if he takes off his firefighter’s hat and replaces it with a Calgary Mountaineers goalie mask.
Houghton was goalie for the Mountaineers when they beat the Raiders in the Rocky Mountain Lacrosse League Junior A final in 2014.
He does, however, admit the goalie equipment might be a bit lighter than his firefighting gear.
“But it’s a little bit more mobile,” he said.
Other Okotoks area firefighters participating in the annual event are Ian McLeod, Greg Schaalje, and Ryan Kaiser.
The stairclimb runs from 8:15 a.m. to the closing ceremonies at approximately 2:30 p.m.
A mini-block party will be held along 6 Avenue with bands and food trucks. The annual event is organized by Wellspring Calgary is a charitable organization that supports, informs and empowers anyone diagnosed with any type of cancer and their caregivers.
