Chattanooga firefighters have something to brag about this month. With help from the public, the Chattanooga Fire Department raised more money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) than any other fire department in the state this year.
Last week at the fire administration building on Wisdom Street, Jack Thompson, president of the Chattanooga Fire Fighters Association, Local 820, presented a check for $84,063 to Holly Carroll, MDA National Director. The money was raised from an annual Muscle Team Gala event, a chili cook-off, and two Fill the Boot campaigns conducted by firefighters throughout the Chattanooga area.
The Chattanooga Fire Department beat out the much larger Memphis Fire Department for top honors with the MDA. “We’re proud we finished first in the state this year,” said Fire Chief Chris Adams, “but this cause is near and dear to us, so if another department beats us next year, we’re fine with that. Our goal is to support the MDA, and do what we can to fight these terrible muscle diseases.”
The money raised locally will help the MDA provide patients and their families with health care at MDA clinics, access to MDA Summer Camp and support groups, and assistance with medical equipment. The money will also help to fund research to find treatments and cures for dozens of life-threatening muscle diseases.
Source: Chattanooga Fire Department