With a rubber black boot in hand, more than a dozen Murrieta firefighters stood along a busy area-road Friday for a streetside collection of funds to help fight neuromuscular diseases.
The annual Fill-the-Boot fundraiser supports the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Money raised during Friday’s campaign along California Oaks Road benefits Riverside County families living with a neuromuscular disease.
Last year, Murrieta firefighters were unable to participate in the campaign because of budget cuts, requiring all firefighters to be staffed the day of the event.
This year, Murrieta Firefighter/Paramedic Dean Hale planned to redeem himself for collections lost.
“We’re filling the boots,” he said, shouting out to drivers along California Oaks Road. “I love doing this. It’s what I look forward to. Anytime I can help raise money for kids, I’m doing it.”
Hale said the department has participated the last five years in the drive and has raised about $20,000 each year.
Though the Murrieta Fire Department only has 46 firefighters, the small but mighty group doesn’t worry about competing with larger agencies staffed with 100 plus firefighters.
“We beat them every time,” Hale said grinning from ear-to-ear.
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