Memphis Local 1784 Celebrates $100k for MDA

November 30, 2009 - Memphis, TN Local 1784 is a continuing supporter of the MDA Telethon, presenting a check for $104,000 raised through the 2009 Fill-the-Boot campaign.

Putnam Fire Fighters Beat Previous Fill-the-Boot Record

November 30, 2009 - Under the leadership of Putnam County, FL Local 3529 President Dwight Cole, fire fighters participated in the annual Muscular Dystrophy Association’s Fill-the-Boot campaign, collecting $5,970, beating a previous record of $5,450.

Palatka Fire Fighters Beat Fill-the-Boot Record

November 30, 2009 - For three consecutive Fridays, Palatka, FL Local 2992 fire fighters participated in the annual MDA Fill-the-Boot Campaign, collecting a record $8,611, surpassing a previous record of $6,200.

Orange Park, FL Raises $19k

November 13, 2009 - Orange Park, FL Local 2668 raised an amazing $19,000 during its 2009 Fill-the-Boot campaign – an increase of $7,914 over last year – making dollars raised per capita at $1,000 per fire fighter. With only 20 members, the Local 2668 fundraising effort was led by Justin Frisbee, MDA coordinator, with the support of Town Manager John Bowles, Fire Chief Ty Silcox and Local 2668 President Mike Wallis. In photo: MDA Coordinator Justin Frisbee Orange Park, FL Local 2668 fire fighters.

Nassau County Fire Fighters Enjoy Record-Breaking Year

October 30, 2009 - Nassau County, FL Local 3101 raised an amazing $44,219 during its 2009 Fill-the-Boot campaign – an increase of $14,990 over last year. Nassau County collected in the spring and again over Labor Day weekend. Local 3101 2nd Vice President George Faucher served as the MDA coordinator and did an amazing job!

Milwaukee Local 215 Doubles Fundraising for MDA

September 29, 2009 - Milwaukee, WI Local 215 held its annual Fill-the-Boot campaign August 27-29, with 36 firehouses competing to raise a total of $82,232 – an increase of more than $54,000 from 2008. This is the first year that the Milwaukee fire fighters were able to hold their campaign at intersections.

South San Francisco Fire Fighters Burn It Up

September 29, 2009 - South San Francisco, CA Local 1507 took to the street to raise money to help Jerry’s Kids! Fire Fighters were up bright and early to support MDA in effort to help Bay Area families. Coordinator Jason Kruljac organized a great group to raise $ 3,064.

Largo Local 2427 Fire Fighters Fired Up to Help MDA

September 28, 2009 - Last year during the Fill-the-Boot campaign, Largo, FL Local 2427 fire fighters raised nearly $10,000 for area children and adults battling neuromuscular disorders. This year, their goal is to raise more than $15,000. Thanks to Fire Chief Mike Wallace for allowing on-duty collection and the generous citizens of the City of Largo, Local 2427 is well on its way to hitting the mark. In just one day, fire fighters raised $7,187! Local 2427 has two more days to collect.

Reading Fire Fighters Fill-the-Boot for MDA

September 28, 2009 - Reading, PA Local 1803 fire fighters held their first Fill-the-Boot drive under Local 1803 President Keith Eschelman. The motivated team of fire fighters raised an astonishing $7,200 in one day! Local 1803 was also the recipient of the Silver Spatula Award, an honor bestowed by summer campers for the local that cooks the best meal during camp.

Englewood Reaches Goal of $5k for MDA

August 27, 2009 - Englewood, FL Local 2546 hit the streets to Fill the Boot for MDA. Thanks to the dedication of the fire fighters, EMTs and the citizens of Englewood, Local 2546 reached its goal of $5,000.

Sioux Falls Fire Fighters Collect for MDA

August 27, 2009 - Sioux Falls, SD Local 814 conducted its annual Fill-the-Boot drive at local grocery stores on July 17, collecting money for Jerry's Kids. Unfortunately the City of Sioux Falls doesn't allow the fire fighters to conduct the Fill-the-Boot in the streets. Though limited, Local 814 fire fighters raised $5,526 in six hours, a $1,600 increase from the previous year.

Washington Fire Fighters Raise Funds for MDA

August 20, 2009 - Stanwood, WA Local 4086 fire fighters and Camano Island, WA Local 4033 threw a dinner for Duchenneuscular Dystrophy client Cameron Smith (sitting) and his friend, Ed Zerba (far right). From left are Local 4033 fire fighter Kevin Crye and Local 4086 fire fighters Will King, AJ Johnson and Aaron Bredeson and Local 4033 member Dave Devries.

Rhinelander Fire Fighters Surpass Goal

July 17, 2009 - Rhinelander, WI Local 1028 fire fighters committed to a goal to raise $8,500 this year for the 2nd annual Fill-the-Boot campaign, held July 9-11. Local 1028 members raised a total of $9,646, an increase of $3,591 from 2008. MDA Wisconsin State Goodwill Ambassador Grace Mickelson stopped by to show her support. Thanks to Local 1028 President Aaron Swaney for all his extra efforts.

Small Local Makes Big Things Happen

July 16, 2009 - Wyoming, MI Local 2578 proves that small Locals can make a big impact. Members of Local 2578 spent two days in the sweltering heat to raise $2,600. From left: MDA Patient Malorie Fox, and Wyoming Local 2578 members Todd Yonkers, Steve Dykema and Brian Ilbrink.

Green Bay Fire Fighters Shatter Previous Record

July 15, 2009 - Green Bay, WI Local 141 held its annual Fill-the-Boot campaign benefitting MDA, raising $36,363 over three days in June. This year marked the first time that fire fighters were able to conduct the event on duty, resulting in a more than $20,000 increase over the previous year. Special thanks to Local 141 members Chad Bronkhorst, Myk VandenAvond, Todd Madson and the entire Local 141 public relations committee for motivating and promoting the event within the community.

Grand Rapids Fire Fighters Beat the Heat for MDA

July 15, 2009 - The members of the Grand Rapids, MI Local 366 were out in full force in temperatures nearing 100 degrees, but remained relentless in their mission for MDA, raising $41,118. These fire fighters definitely have Jerry’s Kids in their hearts!

Connecticut Fire Fighters Go Hollywood

June 10, 2009 - The stars (Connecticut fire fighters) were shining at the Seventh Annual Connecticut MDAIAFF Boot Camp May 11 Westbrook. The Hollywood theme was complete with red carpet interviews. More than 30 locals participated, along with Uniformed Professional Fire Fighters Association of Connecticut President Peter Carozza. Guest speaker Captain Peter Kearney from the Uniformed Fire Officers Association (UFOA) of New York Local 854, whose son, Kevin, has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, spoke about it has affected his family. Connecticut fire fighters were also recognized for their outstanding support of MDA in 2008. New Haven, CT Local 825 took the top award for the highest fundraising local: $33,000.

Branch Crew Sets Bar High In MDA Fill-The-Boot

June 5, 2009 - After more than 10 years on hiatus, Farmers Branch, TX Local 3325 gained support from its members to participate in the MDA Fill-the-Boot program. Jason Shelby, president of the Farmers Branch Local 3325, did not set a goal, but good planning and dedication to the cause resulted in an incredible $26,000 -- impressive for the first year back in the midst of a recession!

Garden City Local 1911 Holds Second Annual Bowl for a Cure

May 20, 2009 - Garden City, MI fire fighters, along with members of the Kohl’s A-Team and Chuck Edwards from 99.5 WYCD, donated their time to organize the Second Annual Bowl for a Cure bowling event at Garden Lanes. The money raised goes directly to support the MDA by sending local kids to MDA summer camp in Lexington, Michigan. More than 120 bowlers participated in the event, and numerous sponsors helped make the event a success.

Downey, CA Local 3473 Raises $22k

May 15, 2009 - Downey, CA Local 3473 fire fighters filled their boots for Jerry’s kids during the annual fundraising drive, collecting more than $22,000! Fill-the-Boot Coordinators Ryan Schleiger and Pete Browne did a fantastic job leading Downey Local 3473 to their goal.

United Maricopa County Local 3878 Fills the Boot for MDA

May 14, 2009 - Throughout April and May, United Maricopa County Local 3878 fire fighters filled their boots to raise money for MDA at Scottsdale Stadium as baseball fans, young and old, came out to watch baseball and support the MDA.

United Mesa Local 2260 Fills the Boot for MDA

May 12, 2009 - United Mesa Local 2260 fire fighters were out in full force in Mesa, Gilbert and Apache Junction raising funds for MDA in April, collecting $18,049 for the fight against neuromuscular disease.

Bonita Springs, FL Raises Over $24k in 30 Days

May 12, 2009 - Bonita Springs, FL Local 3444 raised more than $24,000 during its Fill-the-Boot campaign in March. Bonita Springs fire fighters and fire prevention personnel increased the amount of money raised by more than $5,000 over last year’s total.

Mobile, AL Continue Their Efforts in 2009

May 12, 2009 - Mobile, AL Local 1349 is conducting its 2009 Fill-the-Boot campaign. Last year, Local 1349 members raised more than $62,000 in 2008 to help many local families and children with neuromuscular disease in last years’ campaign. Once again, Mobile fire fighters hit the streets in April with a goal to raise $63,000.

Rhode Island Fire Fighters Hold MDA Boot Camp

May 12, 2009 - Approximately 13 IAFF affiliates participated in the Rhode Island State Association of Fire Fighters/MDA Boot Camp kick-off April 21 at the Downtown Providence Courtyard by Marriott in Providence, Rhode Island. Rhode Island State Association of Fire Fighters President Frank Montanaro addressed attendees, applauding their efforts for MDA in 2008 and announcing a new goal of $300,000 for 2009. Rhode Island IAFF members were also recognized for their outstanding support of MDA in 2008, receiving awards for Goal Breaker, Double Club, New/Restored Program and Highest Fundraising Local – the latter which went to Warwick Local 2748 for raising $31,963 in 2008.

Tampa Mayor Awards Fire Fighters

April 16, 2009 -- Tampa, Florida Mayor Pam Lorio presented Tampa Local 754 Captain Jace Kohan a Proclamation recognizing April as Fire Fighter Appreciation Month and thanking fire fighters for their support. Goodwill Ambassador Allison Kerns also attended the event, which was broadcast on ABC Action News. Last year Tampa Local 754 members raised $39,000; the goal for 2009 is $75,000.

Tampa Fire Fighters Recognized by City for MDA Efforts

April 8, 2009 -- Tampa, FL Local 754 was given a commendation from the Tampa City Council April 2, 2009, for its continued support of MDA. The commissioner also proclaimed April Fire Fighter Appreciation Month in the city of Tampa. The award was presented to Captain Jace Kohan, President Larry Parker and the fire chief. Tampa Local 754’s Fill-the-Boot campaign kicks off April 17.Tampa Local 754 has been filling the boot for more than 30 years and continues to raise the bar.

Boston Local 718 Holds Annual Fundraiser

Boston, MA Local 718 members donated their time to help with the Boston Annual Muscle Team fundraiser for MDA. The event is a high-profile sports dinner where professional athletes put their muscle behind the search to find treatments and cures for neuromuscular diseases. Each athlete is paired with a MDA Buddy -- a local child living with muscular dystrophy. Pictured, from left: Boston, MA Local 718 members Philip Skrabut, Joe Foley, Dan Reardon, Dan Kane and Rich Macdonald with Wally the Green Monster.