San Angelo Fire Department Participates in "Fill the Boot" Fundraiser

For the past three days, the San Angelo Fire Department and International Association of Firefighters have been standing on four major intersections throughout the city. The reason for this is to raise money for Muscular Dystrophy (MD). The fundraiser is known as “Fill the Boot”.

April 27 through 29, local firefighters will be standing on these four major intersections beginning at 7:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.

• Johnson St. and Knickerbocker Rd.

• Avenue N and Sherwood Way

• S. Abe and W. Harris Ave. 

• 29th St. and Bryant Blvd.

In 1954, the “Fill the Boot” Campaign was born. As of 1999, San Angelo has participated in the “Fill the Boot” Fundraiser. Mason Matthews, a firefighter and paramedic for San Angelo, has coordinated this fundraiser for two years.

He said, “I am loving this! This is a super huge event to plan. This is my second year to coordinate. There is so much going on at one time. Between the trucks catching runs and having to leave, we are trying to manage resources so intersections don’t get left open and we have someone open with a boot for the public to fill.”

The money that is collected during these three days goes towards helping children with MD.  Money that is collected from the Fill the Boot Fundraiser will stay within the Concho Valley, and help the children within it.

The money will first be put towards summer camp for these kids. As of now, San Angelo has 10 families affected by MD. For one child to attend camp, it costs $800.

Any money that is left over after the payment of camp will then be put into a reserve that is used to provide or repair equipment, as well as pay medical expenses for families suffering from MD.

Ashley Quintana, the fundraising coordinator for the Muscular Dystrophy Association said, “I love how the San Angelo Fire Department comes together. They basically plan this whole event. The guys work on duty and some even sign up off duty on their days off. I think the San Angelo Community is wonderful for participating.”

The public has definitely shown an interest and passion for this fundraiser. Last year, the Fill the Boot fundraiser reached a record amount of $72,000 raised. This year the fire department is hoping to at least match the amount that was raised last year.

Chief Dunn of the San Angelo Fire Department said, “I think the firefighters look forward to this every year. I even have citizens call and ask what locations the firemen will be at so they can go by and make donations.”

This fundraiser has been made possible by the hardworking firemen and generous public donations. Matthews finalized, “There is a lot going on, but we really like doing it. We like being out in the community and interacting with the people in the community. San Angelo always gives great, so we are glad to do it for such a good cause.”