Columbia Fire Fighters Honored by MDA

From left: SCPFFA President Michael Parrotta, IAFF 12th District Vice President Emeritus Dominick Barbera, Local 793 members Eddie Baughman and Steven Buff and IAFF 12th District Vice President Larry Osborne

October 22, 2009 – The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) bestowed its 12th District MDA 2008 award on Columbia, SC Local 793 for raising $119,070 -- the most of any IAFF local’s per capita in the district.

IAFF 12th District Larry Osborne presented the award at the 16th Annual South Carolina Professional Fire Fighters Association (SCPFFA) meeting. “I am very proud of the dedication our brothers and sisters in Columbia displayed this year filling the boot,” says Osborne. “Because of their hard work, many children suffering from muscular dystrophy and related disorders will receive the help they need.”

“For the last decade, we have had 100 percent participation by members on shift,” says Columbia Local 793 President Michael Cosola. “Because the city council and the fire chief have supported our efforts for MDA, we have been able to raise more than $100,000 each of those 10 years.”

In addition to filling the boot, Local 793 traditionally organizes a golf tournament, adding between $4,000 and $5,000 to its fundraising totals.