The Chester Fire Department collected $15,483.54 during their Fill The Boot campaign to raise donations for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

William C. Rigby IV, secretary of the International Association of Firefighters Local 1400, said the total is the most the firefighters have ever raised during the campaign, which took place last spring. The B-Platoon raised the most donations, collecting about $5,100. 

“I would imagine this will put us in the Top 10 in the state,” Rigby said.

The IAFF is the largest national contributor to MDA. Local unions across the country have combined to raise $275 million for MDA since 1954. The Chester firefighters held the fundraiser for the first time following a five-year absence. 

Rigby thanked Mayor John Linder, Fire Commissioner James Johnson, Councilman William “Al” Jacobs, director of public safety, and city council for enabling the campaign’s return. He praised firefighters Pete Rice, Anthony Cox Jr. and Ray Pierce for serving as MDA representatives. He also thanked Stacky’s Sandwich Shop for supplying donated food to the firefighters during the fundraiser.