Our Opinion: Thanks to AFD for filling the boot
Published 10:19 am Wednesday, August 20, 2014
The Austin Fire Department deserves kudos after a busy couple of days last week.
On Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, firefighters raised $18,022 during the annual Fill the Boot fundraising campaign for the Muscular Dystrophy Association — just $22 shy of last year.
Austin firefighter Tim Hansen takes a donation for the MDA Fill the Boot campaign Thursday afternoon. Firefighters will be out again to wrap up the three-day collection for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Herald File Photo
Along with thanking the fire department for again volunteering their time for the worthy cause, we also thank those who donated to the drive to firefighters stationed at several Austin intersections.
Funds raised through the 2014 Fill the Boot event will help support MDA’s programs for worldwide research, specialized health care services, and day-to-day support — which includes sending children affected by muscular dystrophy and related diseases to a weeklong, barrier-free MDA summer camp at Camp True Friends in Maple Lake, Minnesota.
Austin Police officer Ryan Leif and CSO Ernesto Cantu, right, rush a dog rescued from a house fire Saturday to a waiting vehicle to take him to the vet. The dog was up and walking by the time they reached the vet according to Fire Chief Jim McCoy. Herald File Photo
Then over the weekend, firefighters responded to two house fires. While a garage was destroyed in one blaze, Chief Jim McCoy said both homes should be repairable.
In the second weekend fire, a blaze 704 14th Ave. SW, firefighters and Austin police were able to save a dog from smoke inhalation, something that should make all animal lovers and pet owners proud.