2004 marked the 50th year for the partnership between the MDA and the IAFF, and in those many years efforts by firefighters to raise funds needed for this cause have been undertaken through events such as "Fill-The-Boot", Carnivals, Golf and Softball Tournaments, to name just a few. Since 1973, Prince Georges County, MD. Local 1619 has helped in this endeavor by hosting a Softball Tournament most recently comprised of more than 100 IAFF Locals. In an effort to add to the total donations raised by our Brothers from Local 1619, Members from Reading decided to host an event during the weekend. On Thursday night, a "Ring of Fire" party was held at Campsite 5, featuring food and refreshments. More than 200 attended at various times throughout the evening and proceeds from the event were turned over to the Tournament Staff.
Friday, the Reading Team set out to win at Softball and scored a strong victory over Montgomery Co., MD. Another win during the day on Saturday against Norfolk, Va. and the Team's 3rd victory over Frederick, MD, under the lights, Saturday night meant the guys would be playing the coveted Sunday fields. In an early game against Rochester, NY. the Team showed they still had more to give when down by several runs they rallied to come back and score the win. By this time the group was tired and bruised, however, and during the next two games fell to first time entrants San Mateo County, CA, who went on to win the "B" Division Championship, and then to San Francisco, Ca.
2004 marked the 50th year for the partnership between the