Florissant firefighters raise funds for muscular dystrophy

Firefighters camped on a rooftop to raise $1,500 for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

FLORISSANT, Mo. — Firefighters from the Florissant Valley Fire Protection District swapped the fire trucks for a rooftop this week, climbing to the top of a building across from Henke’s Tavern in Old Town Florissant to raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA).

The team won’t come down until they reach their $1,500 fundraising goal, encouraging neighbors to drop cash in the boot, scan a QR code for online donations, or contribute inside the tavern where a special is being offered for donors.

“Every year firefighters partner with MDA to fill the boots to help people with muscular dystrophy live and have better lives,” said Kate Freshman, a firefighter paramedic with the department. “So today this is our annual fundraiser to raise the money for them.”

Freshman added, “We feel like we’re just a small part of this huge organization. Every year firefighters across the country are partnering with MDA so we can help make a difference in people’s lives.”

About 250,000 Americans live with muscular dystrophy, a group of diseases that weaken muscles and limit mobility. Funds raised during the rooftop fundraiser will go toward research, therapy, and support programs for people living with the disease.

For firefighter Robert Galle, who has been with the department for nearly 20 years, the event is about more than fundraising, it’s about the community.

“It’s great. I think it’s good for the community,” Galle said. “We get to come out here and do public relations, get the kids involved, and firefighters involved with the kids in the community as well. …We do have one person that has muscular dystrophy in our district that I know of… we have one lady that walks around in the neighborhood and tries to keep herself strong. She waves to us every day and thanks us for what we do. And it’s just a good feeling to be there for our people.”

Gale says the fundraiser reflects the department’s core motto. “Our motto in our district is we take care of people. That’s exactly what we do, and what we like to do on a daily basis.”

As of 5 p.m. on Saturday, the department surpassed its goal. 

To donate online or learn more about the Muscular Dystrophy Association, visit www.mda.org. 

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