Giving Muscular Dystrophy the Boot -- and the Bat!

Guest author: FFIII John Geiman, Station 7(A) 

MCFRS 2nd Annual "Fill the Boot" softball game for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) was held on Saturday, June 29th.  Montgomery County Fire and Rescue defeated Frederick Fire 14-7 to keep the trophy in Montgomery County for another year.  However, this game was not about the trophy -- it was all about the kids.  

As a team MCFRS raised over $1750 in funds for MDA (final total pending) and Fredrick Fire raised a matching amount with a total amount raised in one day by both softball teams over $3500 to support the critical programs of the MDA.  MCFRS also had the privilege of having Devin throw out the 1st pitch.  Devin is a young man fighting muscular dystrophy and through funds raised with MDA was able to receive medication, which has helped him be able to continue to run and play like anyone else.  He is a truly amazing young man and was all smiles while he walked out to throw out the 1st pitch. 

The team is very honored to contribute to an organization that is making a difference in the lives of those affected by MDA and their families. The event would not be possible without the help of Master Firefighter Mike Berry, the Frederick Keys, Derek Young (Frederick County), Deb Gartner (MCFRS retired) and Ken Berman.  The team hopes to grow the game every year going forward with the goal to one day hit that $10,000 mark to support the ground-breaking research and life-enhancing programs of the MDA.   

About the MDA
The Muscular Dystrophy Association is the world’s leading nonprofit health agency dedicated to saving and improving the lives of anyone with muscle disease, including muscular dystrophy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other neuromuscular diseases. It does so by funding worldwide research to find treatments and cures; by providing comprehensive health care services and support to MDA families nationwide; and by rallying communities to fight back through advocacy, fundraising and local engagement.

Time Again to 'Fill-the-Boot' for Muscular Dystrophy

Beginning today and continuing until Friday evening MCFRS will support International Association of FireFighters (IAFF) Local 1664 with it's efforts to collect for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA).

County Executive Leggett makes the first contribution 

The effort was kicked off yesterday at our Fire Station #34 with a contribution from County Executive Leggett as well as a Proclamation presented by Mr. Leggett to Fire Chief Scott Goldstein and IAFF Local 1664 President Jeff Buddle.
 
Thanks to the residents (and commuters) in Montgomery County, MCFRS is the leading Fill the Boot IAFF contributor in the Maryland and consistently has been one of the top contributors in the Country.  In the 30 year history of MCFRS supporting MDA, IAFF Career Fire Fighters Local 1664 has raised about $2.5 million!

So if you see our Firefighters out in the community over the next three days, please consider making a donation to help the cause.

All monies raised through “Fill the Boot” stays locally in the metro area to help support families dealing with neuromuscular diseases by providing research, wheelchairs, clinic treatments and most importantly allowing children to MDA Summer Camp for 1 week.

History of Montgomery County Career Fire Fighters and MDA

• Montgomery County Career Fire Fighters Association, Local 1664, joined the fight against the more
  
  than 40 neuromuscular diseases by holding its first “Fill the Boot” campaign in 1984. 


• Since the first Fill the Boot campaign in 1984 till 2006 Montgomery County Fire Fighters would donate their “off duty” time for 3 days prior to the Labor Day weekend to conduct “Fill the Boot” at various intersections around Montgomery County. During this period Local 1664 raised $783,452.00. 


• In 2007, thanks to the efforts from Past President John Sparks, Past Fire Chief Tom Carr and then Division Chief Ritchie Bowers along with the support of County Executive Ike Leggett career fire fighters were given permission to participate in “Fill the Boot” while on duty. During the period from 2007 to 2014 Local 1664 has raised, $1,540,842.00


• Local 1664 is the largest contributing IAFF Local in the state of Maryland for MDA.  


• In 2007 Montgomery County Career Fire Fighters placed # 5 in the country collecting over $234,000. 


• In 2008 Montgomery County Career Fire Fighters placed # 9 in the country collecting over $206,000.


• In 2009 Montgomery County Career Fire Fighters placed # 4 in the country collecting a record $254,102.


• In 2014 Montgomery County Career Fire Fighters placed # 10 in the country collecting over $194,000.00. 


• In the 30 year history of Montgomery County Career Fire Fighters supporting the MDA, Local 1664 has raised $2,324,294.00


• Local 1664 also supports MDA by attending MDA Summer Camp in Leonardtown, MD. During Summer Camp, Montgomery County Fire Fighters bring a fire engine to camp for kids to tour and the Locals “Beef Brothers” provide dinner to approximately 150 children and counselors. 

MCFRS IAFF Local 1664 40+ Softball Team Wins 40th Annual IAFF Muscular Dystrophy Softball Tournament

By: Captain Brett Livingston

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue's IAFF Local 1664 40+ Softball team won the 40th Annual IAFF Muscular Dystrophy Softball Tournament in Prince Georges County, MD this past weekend. The tournament consisted of softball teams from across the United States and Canada.

Local 1664's Team #3 defeated, teams from Pittsburgh PA, Providence RI, FDNY (NY), and Prince Georges County twice in the Championship. In the 40 years of this tournament more than $2 million dollars has been raised for this wonderful charity by the teams participating. Of the 40 years, no local team has won the overall tournament with the exception of MCFRS IAFF Local 1664 (1994), and now the main core of the team remains the same to win the 40+ division 19 years later. What an incredible weekend of brotherhood and memories by all!

The 40+ Tournament MVP was 3rd base Coach Warnie Stevens (Retired Battalion Chief MCFRS).  A very special thanks to Brother Mark Montgomery (Retired Assistant Chief FS55 NSWC) for his support and leadership. The very special Trophy resides at IAFF Local 1664's headquarters in Rockville.

Firefighters Raises Over $196K for MDA

Every year around Labor Day, MCFRS personnel participate in the Fill the Boot campaign to raise funds for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.  This year was no different as over a three day period last week firefighters, when not responding to emergency calls, were out in force at various intersections collecting donations from a lot of very generous people.   

According to Master Fire Fighter Donnie Simmons, who heads up the effort for International Association of Firefighters Local 1664, approximately $196,101.00 was raised for this worthy cause! 

None of this would be possible without the generosity displayed by our wonderful County residents!  THANK YOU!

Fire Station 24 B-Shift (photo courtesy of L-1664)

Sidewalk Corner Serenade for MDA Fill The Boot

Captain Ivan Browning on the sidewalk corner serenading the passers by for fill the boot on Friday.

The 2nd Annual High Point BBQ Battle To Benefit The Muscular Dystrophy Association

Please plan on coming out to High Point Farm on October 12 - 13 for the 2nd Annual High Point BBQ Battle to help raise funds for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

High Point Catering, in cooperation with the Montgomery County Career Firefighters Association, the Montgomery County Career Officers Association, and the Muscular Dystrophy Association, is sponsoring this fun filled two-day fundraising event. 

For more information, please go here: 2^nd Annual High Point Farm BBQ Battle

Event Flyer for Kids 2012-10-04

The 2nd Annual High Point BBQ Battle To Benefit The Muscular Dystrophy Association

Please plan on coming out to High Point Farm on October 12 - 13 for the 2nd Annual High Point BBQ Battle to help raise funds for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

High Point Catering, in cooperation with the Montgomery County Career Firefighters Association, the Montgomery County Career Officers Association, and the Muscular Dystrophy Association, is sponsoring this fun filled two-day fundraising event. 

For more information, please go here: 2^nd Annual High Point Farm BBQ Battle

High Point Farm Event Flyer

County Firefighters Participate in IAFF Muscular Dystrophy National Softball Championship Tournament This Weekend

By: Captain Brett Livingston

Every year firefighters from all over the United States and Canada join together in brotherhood, tradition and competition to raise money and awareness for Muscular Dystrophy. These men and women, including many from Montgomery County Fire Rescue, use the weekend to come together and celebrate a long tradition of selflessly helping others in need.

The Annual IAFF Muscular Dystrophy National Championship Tournament draws players and spectators from across North America together for the cause. Firefighters of Montgomery County have participated since the tournament's beginning 39 years ago and are the only local team to win the championship in the open division. But it is more than the championship, it is about coming together with fellow firefighters to celebrate the job they love, remember those that have been lost doing the job and to raise money for a cure. It is about helping those stricken by a debilitating disease that often affects children the hardest.

Several of the firefighters in the group pictured below have been part of the tournament since its inception, having played in all 39 tournaments, and some where part of the championship team. This year Montgomery County entered one team in the Open Division and three teams in the Forty and Over Division.

Photo Courtesy of Captain Brett Livingston

Day One Totals From The "Fill The Boot" Campaign

Yesterday, members of the MCFRS "A" Shift raised over $45,000.00 to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) through the annual Fill the Boot campaign.  Money raised through the annual “Fill the Boot” campaign stays locally and is used to help support approximately 400 families in Montgomery County afflicted with neuromuscular diseases.

The photo on the right is of Captain Brock Cline, Bethesda Fire Station #26, taken at Old Georgetown and Democracy after returning from a call.

Germantown Fire Station #29 was the top station for the day with over $7,000 collected followed by Rockville Fire Station #31 (over $5,000 collected).

Keep up the great work all!  Thanks to all of you out there who have made donations.  Look for our firefighters at various intersections throughout the county today and tomorrow.  

Firefighters Want to Give Muscular Dystrophy the Boot

Annual Three-Day ‘Fill the Boot’ Fundraising Campaign Kicks Off

Montgomery County, MD  - - - Montgomery County Firefighters will be involved in a different kind of life-saving activity when they hit the streets Wednesday as the 2012 “Fill the Boot” Campaign, an annual tradition across the country, kicks off to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA).

Teams of firefighters will have boots in hand for three days raising money for the MDA in hopes of speeding research into debilitating neuromuscular diseases and serving the needs of children and adults with muscular dystrophy. Money raised through the annual “Fill the Boot” campaign stays locally and is used to help support approximately 400 families in Montgomery County afflicted with neuromuscular diseases. 

Last year, the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) raised nearly 28 million for MDA, making the grand total for the 57-year tradition over $455 million.  In the 28-year history of Montgomery County Fire Fighters supporting the MDA, Montgomery County Fire Fighters have raised almost $1,790,000.00 and have consistently ranked in the top three of all fire departments in the Washington Metropolitan area. Montgomery County Fire Fighters have ranked as high as fourth in the country, raising over $254,000 in 2009. Beginning Wednesday, firefighters will be fanned out in intersections across the County and joining forces with the MDA to raise money as this charitable organization strives to eradicate neuromuscular disease.  Firefighters will remain in their normal response areas and will be available for emergencies and immediate dispatch. This year’s goal takes on significant meaning as firefighters are just over $210,000 away from raising $2 million collected for this important cause since the County began participating in 1984.

Proceeds raised during the campaign will help support MDA’s local services and research programs, including a week long summer camp for kids, support groups, and local clinics. MDA is a volunteer health agency working to defeat more than 40 forms of Muscular Dystrophy, including ALS and related diseases through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive services and far-reaching professional and public health education.

Every donation makes a difference. Please join us in giving generously and support the fight against Muscular Dystrophy. Montgomery County Fire and Rescue thanks you for your support and asks that you please slow down for safety when you encounter a “Fill the Boot” intersection. To make a donation if you can’t get by any of the ‘Fill the Boot’ intersections, please stop by any Montgomery County Fire Station to make your donation.     

High Point BBQ Battle to Benefit MDA

On Friday evening and Saturday October 14th and 15th, the Montgomery County Career Firefighters and the Montgomery County Career Officers will sponsor a BBQ competition and festival to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Friday evening's activity will begin at 5 p.m. and the Jay Henley and the Stonebroke Band will perform live from 7:30 p.m. until 10. There will be plenty of food and fun!

On Saturday October 15th from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., there will be food vendors, moon bounces, rock walls, and much more for the entire family.

We would like to invite any BBQ enthusiasts to sign up to compete. If you have ever wanted to, but never entered a competition, this is a great low stress opportunity. There is $1400 in prize money and a great time to hang out with friends around the grill. Please share this with all of your list friends.

Here is a link to the event and hope to see you there to help raise much needed funds for our family at MDA: http://www.highpointcatering.com/bbq-battle/index.html

Assistant Chief Scott Graham

Day One of Fill the Boot for Jerry's Kids

Montgomery County Fire Fighters raised over $37,000.00 on day one under some extreme conditions. A very heavy 9-1-1 call load with one working fire involving Hazardous Materials and the Silver Spring hostage situation which depleted about 1/2 the fire stations in the lower end of the county for most of the day.

Germantown Station 29 was the top station for the day raising $11,510.18 Congratulation Station 29 B Shift!!!!!

Thank you to all the citizens who donated Wednesday. Fire Fighters will be out again today and tomorrow.

Master Fire Fighter Donald A. Simmons

Montgomery County Fire & Rescue Service

County Fire Fighter's "Fill the Boot" Campaign for MDA Begins Today!

Montgomery County Fire Fighter's will be at intersections throughout Montgomery County this Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 8am to 8 pm conducting our annual "Fill the Boot" campaign for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA).  Please consider placing any lose cash or change you may have into the fire boot.  Every little bit helps!  If someone would like to make a donation on-line they can go to the IAFF Local 1664 MDA Fill the Boot . 

All money raised will stay in the local area to assist MDA with vital research, patient treatments, and MDA Summer Camp. Last year Montgomery County Fire Fighters collected over $254,000.00 which was the 5th highest amount in the country by a fire department.

Montgomery County Fire Fighters will appear on the local portion of the Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon, Monday September 6 during the 12:00 pm hour, to make our check presentation to the MDA. This year Montgomery County Fire Fighters hope to raise $275,000.00.

People can go to Facebook and look at our page, Montgomery County Fire Fighters and MDA, to track our progress.

Donnie Simmons
IAFF Local 1664 MDA Representative

Fire Station 29 to Read Part of Mattie's book on Good Morning America This Morning

I wanted to make everyone aware that this morning at 0830 you can see members of our Fire Station 29 read part of Mattie's book on Good Morning America, ABC Channel 7.  Please also see a message from Mattie's Mom below.  This was a truly remarkable young man.

-Bill Delaney


Hello friends,

Am asking for your assistance and enthusiasm here. Please pass this info to folks in your email address book, your facebook page, your twitter followers, your co-workers, your church, your friends and relatives... everyone. This matters a lot to me.

This Monday, Nov 2, I will be on Good Morning America to release "Messenger: The Legacy of Mattie J.T. Stepanek and Heartsongs." This is not a book by Mattie, but the first book ABOUT Mattie's life! Early reviews of the book have been wonderful, and folks say they are left smiling, and re-remember why Mattie inspired us so profoundly with his words, his message, and his wit and wisdom. Dr. Maya Angelou penned a beautiful foreword for this book, which is available on online sites like amazon for pre-orders. And on Wednesday, Nov 4 at 7 pm, the book release event will take place at the White Flint Mall Borders Bookstore on Rockville Pike/North Betheda, MD. Please visit Mattie's website (www.mattieonline.com ) for info about the book and updated info about publicity.

Thank you so much my friends,

Jeni ("Mattie's mom").

Jennifer Smith Stepanek, Ph.D.

MDA National Vice President

Chair, Mattie J.T. Stepanek Foundation

Montgomery County Fire Fighters are helping MDA "Fill the Boot" for Jerry's Kids!

Beginning today and running through Thursday and Friday September 3 & 4 Montgomery County Fire Fighters are helping MDA "Fill the Boot" for Jerry's Kids! You will see many of our fire fighter’s at various intersections throughout the county, fire boot in hand, accepting donations for this very worthy cause.

This year marks the 25th Anniversary that the Montgomery County Fire Fighters have collected for, and supported, the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) and Jerry’s Kids. Last year we collected over $206,000.00 and placed number 9 in the country for funds raised by fire fighters. Our goal this year is to collect $250,000.00.

Collection times will be between 8 AM and 8 PM each of the three days.