(MIAMI, Nov. 6, 2014) – The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), Miami-Dade Fire Rescue (MDFR) and the Metro-Dade Firefighters International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 1403 kicked-off the 60th annual "Fill the Boot" drive with a news conference at the Firefighters Memorial Building in Doral, Florida.

"Miami-Dade Fire Rescue has had a long standing relationship with MDA and we are proud to continue to partner especially in their 60th anniversary," said Fire Chief Dave Downey. "Our goal is to collect as much money as possible in order to help MDA achieve their goals. I urge the community to fill the boot and help our firefighters help those in need through MDA."

MDFR challenged the members of the Jacksonville Fire Department with a wager for this year’s boot drive. Jacksonville has already met and surpassed their goal, now it’s up to MDFR to "bring the heat."
Firefighters will be collecting throughout major intersections in the county this weekend starting Friday, Nov. 7. All funds collected will go toward research and family support counseling in the community, help purchase wheelchairs and communication devices and will give children with neuromuscular diseases the chance to attend MDA summer camp.

Editor's note: Video available for download via our FTP site:
ftp.miamidade.gov
user: mdfrpio
password: Fire1234  (case sensitive)
Folder: MDA 2014 for media

For more information, please contact MDFR's Public Affairs Bureau at 786-331-5200.

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Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Department
9300 NW 41st Street, Miami, FL 33178
786-331-5000
www.miamidade.gov/fire