Despite some interference from Mother Nature, the Austin Fire Department had one of its best years for the MDA Fill the Boot campaign, coming in just under $18,000 at the end of the three days.

Austin firefighters at three different locations over three days pulled in $17,953. Aside from donations from motorists they also received a $280 from the Minnesota Southbound Rollers Roller Derby team.

The total falls beneath last year’s $19,000 mark, but that was only because of a storm-shortened second day on Thursday that brought in $3,929 dollars. By comparison, $6,732 was raised the first day and $7,016 the final day.

“We were really close,” said firefighter Jim Halsey. “If we wouldn’t have gotten washed out [Thursday] we really would have done well.”

“This turned out good,” Halsey continued. “We had a pretty good volunteer effort from full and part-time staff.”

This is the eighth year the AFD took part in the campaign.

Three-day fundraiser

Day 1: $6,732

Day 2: $3,929*

Day 3: $7,016

Total: $17,953

*Rain-shortened day