Final numbers are not yet in, but expressions of thanks from Murphy Fire Rescue and the cadre of firefighters who manned the Fill the Boot corner are being loudly voiced, according to Fire Chief Mark Lee.
“The boots were definitely filled,” he said. “We have not counted all the coins yet because there was so many, but in terms of folding money, we collected $1,649. That alone would make this a rousing success.”
Adding the coins could bring the total to a significant amount, and signal a successful return to the Fill the Boot campaign for Murphy Fire Rescue after missing the annual event in 2013.
“We had a small one-year lapse in participation, but we are still very much committed to the cause,” he said. The International Association of Fire Fighters and many local firefighter associations and departments have partnered with the National Muscular Dystrophy Association in fund-raising for some 60 years, garnering millions of dollars in the fight against these neuromuscular diseases.
“We are dedicated to assisting our community, as firefighters and as residents, and so we gladly and eagerly do what we can to help,” added the Chief. “And, while I have been part of these community fund-raisers and toy drives and other community-based programs for many years, I am always so very gratefully pleased to see the outpouring of generosity.”
As is now becoming customary, the kindness of Murphy residents has shown through in the amount of money gathered, and in the many expressions of support the firefighters heard and saw over the three-day campaign. The funds will be combined with other firefighter companies and presented to the MDA during their Labor Day Telethon on behalf of the larger firefighting community.
“In reality, though, we only collected what the community was willing to give, so it’s a gift from the greater community,” he said. The unseasonably cool weather was another positive note, giving firefighters a break from the usually oppressive heat of early August.
“All in all, we consider it a success, and we thank the MDA folks for their assistance as well,” he concluded.