PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Some of the city's firefighters are gearing up for the 10th annual BFit Challenge.

 

Every year, members of the department travel to Boston to climb the stairs at TD Garden in support of the New England Fire Cancer Fund. First responders, military members, and other community members each raise $300 to participate in the event, powered by National Grid and hosted by the Boston Bruins.

 

This year's challenge set for Jan. 26 has already raised more than $1 million.

 

For the second year in a row, Jason Smegal, owner of J Smegal Roofing and Gutters, donated $10,000 to support the fund.

 

"We designate our funds that we raise to firefighter cancer that goes through the PFFM, which is the Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts, and 100 percent of the funds go directly to either supporting the cause, pre-screening ...," said Capt. Robert Leary.

 

This is Leary's sixth year participating. He said the fundraiser is important and that hits close to home donating to PFFM, recognizing how his colleagues have been affected after 29 years as a firefighter.

 

Firefighter are at risk of being exposed to toxic chemicals such as fuels, burning materials and particulate matter which may be carcinogens.