Fire department hopes to make it annual event
By Jason Arndt
Staff Writer
Even though the Jerry Lewis Labor Day telethon came to an end in 2015, the battle against muscular dystrophy continues, and some area fire departments have stepped up to raise funds.
The 24-hour telethon that ran for 61 years stopped production last year, citing a need for new and creative fundraising methods including the now famous Ice Bucket Challenge, according to several national news sources.
Bristol Fire and Rescue is looking to raise awareness and funds on Saturday, Aug. 27 at highways 45 and 50 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
All proceeds from the department’s Fill the Boot campaign go directly to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, according to Bristol Firefighter/EMT Chris Medlock.
“Every penny raised through Fill the Boot goes directly to MDA, and all personnel participating in collecting donations are volunteers,” Medlock said. “This event does not financially benefit the fire department in any way.”
The proceeds, he said, will bolster research efforts, maintaining educational materials, and enhance clinical trials and new medications.
While fire departments have participated in the campaign for about 60 years, Bristol Fire and Rescue looks to make it an annual event, after they raised more than $5,000 last year.
“Bristol Fire and Rescue has been participating intermittently for a number of years, but decided in 2015 to participate annually moving forward,” stated Medlock, who has been with the department for eight years.
The Fill the Boot campaign is not their only contribution, however, after the department pitched in at an MDA camp at Lake Wonderland in Camp Lake earlier in the summer.
At Lake Wonderland, Medlock reports that Department coordinator Karla Creuziger and another Bristol member offered interactive activities to children and adults, including a tour of some fire trucks.
“They brought our Rescue Engine to participate in the Camp’s parade, and were able to spend the morning fishing, playing baseball and looking at area fire apparatus alongside some of the campers,” Medlock stated.
As they contribute to the cause in several ways, Medlock acknowledged their efforts are just a small part of a larger picture.
“Standing on the corner collecting donations in a fire boot is the very least we can do to support these individuals,” he said.
Another area fire department, Town of Salem Fire and Rescue, held their Fill the Boot campaign earlier.
However, it was cut short due to weather, Salem Fire Chief Mike Slover reported.