Maine Fire Fighters Protect Right to Fill the Boot

2008 Maine MDA Ambassador Derek Vintinner with members of Lewiston Local 785

August 19, 2008 – Caving to pressure from the IAFF, organizers of the Great Falls Balloon Festival in Lewiston, Maine, allowed Lewiston Local 785 fire fighters to conduct their Fill-the-Boot drive at the event after festival organizers threatened to have fire fighters arrested if they attempted to conduct the MDA fundraiser.

Local 785 began filling the boot at the balloon festival four years ago, but it was not until festival leadership changed last year and festival organizers told fire fighters they must give them 16 percent of the funds raised.

“We wanted 100 percent of the money we raised to go to MDA,” says Rick Cailler, president of Lewiston Local 785. “As a compromise, we initially agreed to pay them a vendor fee. But festival organizers called the police to see if we could be arrested for trespassing. We felt that was grounds to take back the offer.”

Additionally, the police refused to arrest the fire fighters without a direct order from the city administrator.

This year, festival organizers have again demanded a percentage of the fill-the-boot dollars and threatened arrests. Attempts by Local 785 to discuss the matter with festival organizers were rebuffed. President Cailler requested assistance from the Professional Fire Fighters of Maine (PFFM), which was granted with additional help from IAFF 3rd District Vice President Mike Mullane.

The PFFM and fire fighters from around the state planned to accompany Local 785 fire fighters to the festival on opening day – August 15, 2008 -- for its fill-the-boot drive. Hearing this, festival organizers agreed to let Local 785 conduct its MDA fundraiser, but with several restrictions: only two fire fighters per festival entrance, no talking to the people and no handing out candy to children.

“With these severe limitations, we were unable to have the fundraising success we had in past years,” says Cailler. “It was also disheartening when kids asked us why we didn’t have candy this year.” Over the course of the three-day event, fire fighters typically raise between $6,000 and $7,000, but this year raised just $1,700.

However, the dispute between the festival and the fire fighters did garner significant media coverage. Consequently, one festival organizer has already reached out to the fire fighters concerning next year’s event.

“Lewiston fire fighters are staunch supporters of Jerry’s Kids, so we are not going away,” states Cailler. “We are hopeful that next year’s event will go smoothly, but are ready to fight again, if need be.”