PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Haddad Subaru has boosted the Pittsfield Fire Department's BFit Challenge fundraiser by $5,000 to support occupational cancer.

Though the monies cannot carry the first responders up the stairs of TD Garden during the strenuous event, it has allowed the department to surpass last year's fundraising goal over a month in advance.  The auto dealer is this year's main sponsor, also selling team merchandise to raise proceeds for the cause.

"We were thrilled with that and jumped on board this year," Lt. Robert Leary said. "This is certainly huge."

The annual challenge in Boston fundraises for first responder and military charities and is sponsored by National Grid. On Jan. 28, first responders, military members and other community members will climb the stairs of the sports arena with air packs and helmets.

This is PFD's fourth year competing in the event. Last year, 11 crew members raised more than $4,500 for the New England Fire Cancer Fund and this year will be even bigger with more than 20 firefighters and some Haddad Subaru employees.

"Something of this magnitude, we want to be involved," general manager Chris Kramek said. "We want to help."

There were smiles all around at the East Street auto dealer as an oversized check was passed to the Fire Department on Tuesday.

"I am really proud of these guys that they're stepping up and training for this," Chief Thomas Sammons said. "I did it last year and it's not easy but it's a lot of camaraderie and it gives you a goal to work for to keep you in shape during the winter."