ST. HELENA – Firefighters from the Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire), along with firefighters from the Napa County Fire Department, Russian River Fire Protection District, and the South Lake County Fire Protection District took to the streets to raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) to help the group Jerry’s Kids.

Firefighters held “Fill the Boot” fundraisers in numerous locations in Lake, Napa and Sonoma counties on Aug. 2 in Lake and Napa counties and again on Aug. 9 in Sonoma County.

Firefighters raised approximately $4,000 in Lake County, $21,000 in Napa County and $15,800 in Sonoma County for a grand total of approximately $40,800.

Each dollar dropped into a firefighter’s boot will go to support local MDA services: research for neuromuscular diseases, the clinic at UC Davis, summer camps, and community education.

The MDA does not receive funding from state, federal, or local governments, nor does it seek or receive fees for services.

The fire service as a whole has been a long running supporter of the MDA. Its history began in 1952 when the father of a child who was burdened with a neuromuscular disease, in desperation, sought the aid of George Graney, IAFF Local 718 member and the help of the Boston Fire Co.

Immediately, 20 firefighters set out to conduct a door-to-door canister drive that raised $5,000 to help with the child’s medical expenses.

In August of 1954, Graney spoke at the IAFF’s (International Association of Fire Fighters) biannual convention and proposed that MDA be established as the International’s “charity of choice”. He gained unanimous approval and this marked the beginning of a formal bond between IAFF and MDA.

Cal Fire took on the challenge to support Jerry’s Kids in 2008, statewide.

This is Cal Fire’s second year of involvement with the “Fill the Boot “fundraisers for MDA and we will continue to do so until there is no need for fundraisers.