BELLINGHAM, Wash. - Western Washington University track & field and cross country student-athlete James Jasperson was determined to break a second world record running a mile in his firefighter gear. 

But when the Viking junior got to the finish line after running four laps around the track at the Wade King Rec Center on the WWU campus, he not only set the record, but crushed it by over three minutes. 

Jasperson, a paid volunteer firefighter with the South Whatcom Fire Authority, ran a mile in 6:33.28 full firefighting gear with an SCBA (Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus). The previous record was 9:40 set in 2013. Jasperson also set the world record running a mile in 5:51.4 in just firefighter structural gear (no air pack or breathing mask) last year.

A large contingent of friends, family and members of the WWU Track & Field team were on hand to watch James set the record on a very hot Bellingham day. 

In addition to setting the world record, Jasperson also raised awareness and received donations supporting Four Season Firefighters. The organization helps firefighters, police officers and veterans who have had their lives permanently altered because of the sacrifices they've made while serving the country and communities.

Here is a video of James' record accomplishment provided by Robert Mittendorf, who works for the Bellingham Herald and is also associated with the South Whatcom Fire Authority.