Western Springs Firefighters Raise Over $12K For Muscular Dystrophy Association

WESTERN SPRINGS, IL — During the 2017 Muscular Dystrophy Association's Fill the Boot campaign, the members of the Western Springs Fire Department, with the Western Springs Fire and Rescue Association, raised over $12,000 for the MDA. According to a release, from Aug. 20 to Aug. 26, Western Springs raised $12,750 to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

“I could not be more proud of the efforts made by the entire department and especially firefighters Michael Darcy and Chris Schneider who took the challenge on to surpass last year’s incredible total of $11,000,” Director of Fire and EMS Chief Patrick Kenny, said in a release. “Almost all our personnel are Paid on Call members meaning they have other jobs as well as family obligations so their time is limited as is. So to volunteer more time to stand on a corner, at the Oasis, etc. is commendable. We had almost 100 percent participation!”

According to a release, supporting MDA is personal for the Western Springs Fire Department. Fire Department officer, WSFRA member, and long-time village resident Lieutenant Dick Jacobson succumbed to ALS in 2017 after a six-year battle with the disease. The fire department was inspired by Jacobson’s determination and other members of the community impacted by muscle disease, and exceeded their fundraising total from 2016 to honor these heroes.

“The fire fighters of Western Springs have once again shown their immense dedication and care for MDA’s families during this year’s Fill the Boot campaign,” Fundraising Coordinator Amanda Spies said in a release. “This year’s Fill the Boot was a success and we are grateful for the generosity of those in the Western Springs community who have helped individuals with muscular dystrophy, ALS and related muscle-debilitating diseases truly live unlimited.”

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