Maricopa fire fighters support MDA

As MDA’s largest national sponsor, the IAFF has raised nearly $300 million since the partnership began in 1954. These funds have fueled MDA’s worldwide research program seeking treatments and cures for more than 40 forms of neuromuscular disease.

In addition, International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) fundraisers help make possible a nationwide network of specialized medical clinics, financial assistance with certain types of expensive assistive equipment, support groups, informative publications and, of course, accessible summer camp for kids.

Despite an uncertain economy and Hurricane Gustav pounding the Gulf Coast, contributions and pledges to the 43rd annual Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon totaled a record breaking $65,031,393 – $1.2 million more than last year.

Airing on 180 local television stations across the country, fire fighters presented individual checks to local MDA affiliates.

Representing Maricopa Fire Fighters, Captain Richard Jackson and Fire Fighter Chazz Dupree presented a check to the Southern Arizona Affiliate for funds raised during their “Fill the Boot” campaign in Maricopa.

Jackson stated that the Professional Fire Fighters of Maricopa has participated in the “Fill the Boot” campaign for the three years; the Maricopa Fire Department has been a professional department and hopes to carry on the long tradition of the IAFF sponsored event. “On behalf of the Professional Fire Fighters of Maricopa and the IAFF, I am proud to present a check for $1,560,” said Fire Fighter Dupree.

Last year, the IAFF donated a record-breaking $25.25 million in pledges raised by a culmination of IAFF members’ humanitarian labors, through Fill-the-Boot drives, chili cook-offs, softball tournaments, golf tourneys or other special events. The telethon is one way the MDA pays tribute to those efforts. Each hour of the Telethon, viewers saw broadcasts from local television stations, and fire fighters often are an important part of those segments, whether staffing the phones or starring in videos of IAFF fundraising events and MDA summer camp activities.

To learn more about the MDA/IAFF partnership, visit www.iaff.org/across/mda.html and www.mda.org.

Submitted photo