Iowa Fire Dept. Raises $21K for Muscular Dystrophy Association

Ottumwa Courier, Iowa

The Muscular Dystrophy Association found some strong support when firefighter unions began raising money for the group as part of their community service efforts. The local department, thanks, they say, to generous citizens, is the top fundraiser in Iowa—for now.

Ottumwa Firefighter Rodney Long is the MDA chairman, and he's been good luck for the department: "With Rodney in charge, we have raised over $21,000," said Assistant Chief Vince Wilcoxson.

Last year with Long in charge, the MDA issued a statement saying OFD was the second biggest money-raising department in the state of Iowa for 2017.

"We are currently the number one fire department for MDA fundraising in the state of Iowa," said Wilcoxson, "and we have one more event to do this year."

Labor Day Weekend saw residents stopping on Venture Drive and at Five Corners to drop a buck or two in a boot. Firefighters commented that there seemed to be more $20 bills this year.

"The majority of the department did a two-hour shift each, and some did more than one shift," said the assistant chief. "The City let some of the on-duty guys help, which helped our total funds raised."

The boot-filling MDA campaign is a project of the firefighter union, Ottumwa Fire Department Local 395.

The firefighters have done this MDA fundraiser since the 50s, and often mention how helpful the community is, and that the disease has at times challenged family members of firefighters.

This department, however, also seems made up of personnel with a bit of a competitive streak: They are pushing to succeed.

"The Council Bluffs department is close," said Wilcoxson. "They're at about $17,000, but they also have one more event. Anything can happen."

He said the final event in Ottumwa is the Ottumwa Fire Department MDA Chili Cook Off, which takes place annually in front of O'Hara's Hardware.

"It will be October 27th and admission is by freewill donation," Wilcoxson said.