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2009 Run Stats

Engine 1	1,963
Engine 3	1,535
Engine 5	664
Engine 9	1,259
Engine 11	1,382
Engine 13	1,074
Engine 14	720
Ladder 1	1,010
Ladder 3	818
Tower 1	1,008
Rescue 1	1,027
EMS	14,262
Jobs	310
Total	22,005

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M.D.A.
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The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) is the largest national sponsor of the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). More than 280,000 members of the IAFF in the United States and Canada are pledged to saving lives, both as fire fighters and paramedics and as the strongest campaigners for the worldwide research efforts of MDA to eradicate 40 neuromuscular diseases. The contributions of the fire fighters also go towards MDA’s summer camps for children, professional and public health education, and other programs.

As the greatest contributor to MDA, fire fighters are everywhere in the efforts of MDA to raise money. The IAFF is the biggest sponsor of MDA’s Labor Day Telethon and it contributed a record breaking $23.5 million in year 2006 as a consequence of the overwhelming enthusiasm and contribution of tens and thousands of fire fighters and paramedics across the US and Canada. IAFF members have donated nearly $275 million to MDA since 1954.

The IAFF raised millions of dollars throughout the entire year through their passionate Fill the Boot campaigns, in which fire fighters greet motorists, shoppers and others and ask them to donate money to MDA. This year’s upcoming IAFF-MDA events are expected to raise even more to cure these crushing illnesses.

The marriage between the devotion of fire fighters with the cause of MDA has emerged as one of the strongest example of selflessness in the history of charity, and IAFF General President Harold A. Schaitberger is committed to elevating this tradition to even higher levels. The IAFF is designing a plan to further expand and enhance the IAFF’s relationship and role with MDA.

Over the ensuing decades, the commitment of the professional fire fighters to the cause of MDA has further elevated their status as extraordinary professionals who not only put their lives at stake to save citizens from ruthless flames, but also give their time to save the lives of the innocent from equally merciless neuromuscular diseases. The devotion of IAFF members has not only helped MDA, but also united fire fighters in a community where they share their team strength and brotherhood to give better meaning to lives and hope for the future.

The History of the Partnership of the IAFF & MDA

The tradition began in 1952, when a father in desperate need ran to IAFF member George Graney’s Fire Engine Company #1 in South Boston. IAFF Local 718 immediately rounded up 20 firefighters and set in motion a door-to-door canister drive that raised $5,000. Realizing the potential that firefighters had to offer the cause and their excellent image in the community, Graney approached and persuaded other IAFF members to support MDA. In August of 1954, IAFF named MDA as their ‘charity of choice’ and their signature fundraising activity has been the MDA Fill-the-Boot drive. The IAFF has emerged as the single largest sponsor of MDA, contributing nearly $300 million since 1954, all to benefit Jerry’s kids.

Reading Firefighters Involvement

Reading runs an annual boot drive in the city collecting thousands of dollars to benefit MDA. On & Off-Duty firefighters stand in the streets with fire boots collecting what ever spare change may floating in your car. In 2009, we were able to contribute over $7000 through your charitable donations.

Every year in February we participate in the MDA Black & Blue Ball during which we will auction off a Children's Dream Birthday Party which is held at one of the city's fire stations. The auction has been known to raise over $2000.

During the month of May, riders from all over ride in the MDA's "Ride-For-Life". At the end of the ride, Reading Firefighters were able to contribute hundreds of dollars to MDA through selling delicious root-beer floats. The ice-cream was donated from Cold-Stone Creamery.

We also assist during the annual MDA Lock-Up, in which individuals in the community agree to be locked up for the day, and need Bail money to be freed!