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Police Officer Asks Others To 'Step Up' To Support His Charity Stair Climbs

 Steve Coyne often works out at Swallow Cliff in Palos Park. He has competed in dozens of charity stair climbs, often in his full Chicago Police officer's uniform.
Steve Coyne often works out at Swallow Cliff in Palos Park. He has competed in dozens of charity stair climbs, often in his full Chicago Police officer's uniform.
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DNAinfo/Howard A. Ludwig

MOUNT GREENWOOD — Steve Coyne is asking friends and supporters to "step up" as he prepares to climb stairs across the country for first responders and military veterans.

Coyne, a 19-year veteran of the Chicago Police Department, will host a fundraiser called "Step Up & Give Back" from 7-11 p.m. Saturday at 115 Bourbon Street in suburban Merrionette Park.

It costs $30 to attend the benefit at 3359 W. 115th St., which includes a buffet dinner, wine and beer. Proceeds will be used to offset the cost of travel for several charity stair climbs, including a pair of September events in Texas.

Coyne, 45, of Mount Greenwood will also use the money to compete Aug. 7-16 in the 2017 World Police and Fire Games in Los Angeles. Since he began competing in charity stair climbs in 2012, Coyne has lost 60 pounds and raised more than $11,000 for charity.

Coyne competes in the events as civilian but often wears his full Chicago police gear, including his uniform, gun and belt. He typically participates in 15-20 charity climbs per year at a cost of roughly $10,000 annually.

With the money raised at the fundraiser, Coyne hopes to compete in even more charity events, which typically benefit first responders and veterans. The 15-year veteran bagpiper also frequently warms up the crowd by playing during the opening ceremonies for the events.

Coyne, a Beverly native, typically trains at Swallow Cliff, a former toboggan slide in suburban Palos Park. It has become a popular spot for exercise enthusiasts determined to take on the stairs left behind.

Coyne has participated in stair-climbs in Dallas, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Oklahoma City, Charlotte, N.C., Buffalo, N.Y. and more. For more information about the upcoming fundraiser, call 773-314-3718 or 773-899-5086.