Milton Firefighters Raise Record Donations with the Boot

Before the first firefighter's boot was thrust out to let a passing motorist drop in a donation, members of the Milton Fire Department had collected $221,000 in five years. This summer they added a record-breaking $65,620.71, topping last year's total by nearly $5,000.

In a ceremony on Tuesday, Aug. 14 Gov. Nathan Deal proclaimed August "MDA Firefighter Appreciation Month" in recognition of the selfless service of departments across the state in the fight against muscular dystrophy, according to a news release from Milton Communications Manager Jason Wright.

Firefighters from Milton were joined colleagues from the Atlanta and Rockdale fire departments and representatives from the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). 

"I'd like to personally thank the extremely generous residents and drivers in Milton for their tremendous support of the boot drive in this, and previous, years," said Fire Chief Robert Edgar. "Every year, we surpass our goals because our residents and motorists are so giving."

Deal's proclamation honors the continued contributions of firefighters who volunteer hundreds of hours to support annual boot drives, golf tournaments, camp and numerous other events to benefit the MDA. For more than 50 years, these firefighters have teamed up with MDA to fight muscle disease.

MDA uses the money to aid local children and adults affected by neuromuscular diseases by providing wheelchairs, leg braces, clinic visits, support groups and a chance for children to attend Camp Walk-N-Roll.