On December 9, 2024, the Bloomfield Township Fire Department (BTFD) presented a check to the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). Stacey Breitlow, Account Manager Fire Fighter Partnerships, was present to accept on behalf of the organization. The check totaled $16,000 and represented the proceeds from the November 27 “Fill The Boot” event.
Breitlow was amazed by the amount raised by BTFD in a one-day event. She addressed the BTFD representatives on hand and stated, “You guys are Rock Stars.” She also added, “we are now celebrating 70 years in our partnership with the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF). For 2024, we are looking at over $10.5 million raised for MDA, here in Michigan.”
“Fill The Boot” features firefighters and their family members volunteering to collect donations from residents at various locations such as parking lots and high-traffic intersections. President of the BTFD Charities, Lieutenant Chris Hull, spoke about the success of the event. “Getting people right before Thanksgiving seems to be the perfect time. They are feeling grateful and giving,” he stated.
In addition to much-needed research, funds donated to MDA help support their Summer Camp program. Young individuals aged 8 to 17, with neuromuscular disease, have the opportunity to attend these overnight camps around the U.S. - at no cost to their families. Michigan’s camp is held at Camp Cavell in Lexington, MI. There are also six MDA Care Centers in the state and over 9,000 individuals currently living with neuromuscular disease.
Hull spoke about the importance of raising these essential funds for individuals living with muscular dystrophy and their families. “We get to see the fruits of our labor. We stay connected with these kids and we see how the money we raise can make a serious impact.”
Learn more about the research and resources, as well as donate, at MDA. You can also watch a video from the 2023 Fill The Boot Event.
Attached picture features, Left to Right:
Firefighter/Paramedic Alec Fowler, Kelly Lagarde, Lt. Chris Hull, Stacey Breitlow, Capt. Mike Sova
Bloomfield Township Fire Department (BTFD) was organized in 1930 and has progressed into a full-service fire department composed of 64 uniformed career firefighters and officers and one administrative assistant. The mission of the BTFD is to protect lives, property and the environment of the Township and nearby municipalities through prompt, skilled, innovative fire and life safety services with compassion and respect.