PHILLIP Island firefighter Bec Quarrell was still “riding the adrenaline” on Monday after her triumph in Saturday’s Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb, coming first in the female section in which there were 84 entrants.

Her winning time was 00:05:42.760, with Amy Jamieson of The Basin CFA second in a time of 00:05:46.043.

Like other participants, Bec tackled the 28 floors of the Crown Metropol wearing breathing apparatus, symbolising the burden of the health and wellbeing issues faced by first responders and their families.

As well as highlighting such challenges, this year’s event raised over $1 million for beneficiaries Lifeline, Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation and 000 Foundation.

Overall, 488 entrants tackled the Stair Climb on the day, firefighters and other emergency services personnel from across Australia in action, with others having participated in a virtual option.

A couple of Bec’s firefighter colleagues from the Phillip Island Fire Brigade also competed on Saturday, Daniel Mirabito coming 10th in the Masters category for those aged 40-49, while Georgia Anderson was 52nd in the female section for those aged 18-39.

Bec trains about four times a week at her local crossfit gym. She highlighted the importance of the Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb in raising funds for cancer research and crisis support, and is already looking forward to striving to defend her title next year.

Bec elaborated on the purpose of competitors wearing breathing apparatus while tackling the stairs.

“I guess it’s just making it as hard and uncomfortable as you possibly can,” she said, explaining that feeling is comparable to having difficult conversations and uncomfortable experiences related to welfare and looking out for your mates.

Well done to all the firefighters and emergency service personnel from Bass Coast and South Gippsland.