Firefighter Hit On Route 40 During Donation Drive: Baltimore County Police

BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD - A Baltimore County fire lieutenant was taken to shock trauma on Sunday for injuries sustained during a "Fill the Boot" fundraiser, officials said.

At 11:18 a.m., the firefighter was on Rossville Boulevard at US 40 collecting money to support the Muscular Dystrophy Association when he was hit by a vehicle, according to authorities.

The fire lieutenant was taken to the University of Maryland R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center with injuries that authorities said were not believed to be life-threatening.

He was later released from the hospital, The Baltimore Sun reported.

The lieutenant was among more than 100,000 firefighters a year who participate in "Fill the Boot" fundraisers across the country, where crews take to the streets and collect donations from people who put the money into a boot, according to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. The organization uses the money to support research for those with the debilitating disease that leads to loss of muscle.

After the crash during Sunday's "Fill the Boot" event, Baltimore County Fire Chief Kyrle W. Preis III issued a call to first responders to be vigilant and said the fundraising drive would continue.

In some other areas, public safety officials announce the intersections in advance where pedestrians and drivers will find "Fill the Boot" campaigns.

Pictured, a Fill-the-Boot campaign. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman Tara A. Williamson)