Firefighters polishing boots for MDA drive

Thirty-eight years ago local firefighters Butch Snider and Jim Grigsby spearheaded a Las Vegas firefighters program that collects funds for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Both Snider and Grigsby were later diagnosed with muscular dystrophy.

The "Fill the Boot" program begun by the two that puts firefighters on street corners to collect money from residents has since raised $2,810,594 for research into muscular dystrophy and help for families with members afflicted with the chronic disease. Muscular dystrophy is characterized by a progressive deterioration of the muscles.

From Tuesday until Sept. 4 Southern Nevada firefighters will again take to the streets, standing 65 intersections throughout the valley asking residents to fill their boots.

Proceeds from the collections will be presented on the Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Association Telethon broadcast Sept. 5-6.

Southern Nevada firefighters raised $308,000 last year. They are hoping to top that this year.

Henderson and North Las Vegas firefighters will collect from Tuesday through Sept. 4. Las Vegas and Clark County will collect from Wednesday through Sept. 3.

The Muscular Dystrophy Association assists more than 800 families in Southern Nevada.

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