Firefighters Kick Off Annual Labor Day "Fill the Boot" Campaign

Fairfax County's firefighters and rescue workers launched their annual "Fill the Boot" drive to raise money for muscular dystrophy this week.

"The race is on this year," said Lee District Supervisor Jeff McKay (D), who spoke at the event held Wednesday in Franconia.

For four days during Labor Day weekend, emergency workers raise funds at intersections throughout the county. Drivers donate by "filling the boot"--putting money in a boot.

While some raise money at intersections, others, like Department of Public Safety Communications employees Robin and Scott Pierpoint, hold a charity auction with items like a chance to throw a pie at the chief of the Fire and Rescue Department.

The money raised is then given to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, which uses it to provide medical care and other support to children with the disease. Donations also fund a week-long summer camp for around 60 children with muscular dystrophy in Maryland.

"We have a blast there," said Joshua Jurack, a young boy with muscular dystrophy who is serving as MDA's Virginia Goodwill Ambassador. Jurack then thanked the fundraisers for their efforts.

Last year, firefighters at the station located at 6300 Beulah raised more than $47,000, making them the county's highest-raising station. Fairfax County's Fill the Boot effort lead the nation's other firefighters in donations last year, raising over $561,000. 

The drive is operated by the Fairfax County Professional Fire Fighters and Paramedics union, a branch of the International Association of Fire Fighters union; as well as the Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Department; the Fairfax County Department of Public Safety Communications; and the MDA.

SunTrust Bank employees count the money, while Subway provides sandwiches for the fundraisers. 

John Niemiec, the local union's president, urged firefighters and rescue workers to work hard during the holiday weekend.

"Go out there and kick butt," he said.