By NEAL WAGNER / Managing Editor

ALABASTER – When Alabaster Fire Chief Jim Golden and the city’s firefighters totaled the donations from their annual “Fill the Boot” campaign this year, one thing came to their mind.

“This year, we raised $5,409.37. Last year, we raised $4,304, so we had a pretty good increase,” Golden said during an Aug. 24 interview. “That’s a testament to the people in our county.”

From Aug. 7-9, the city’s firefighters gathered in front of the Alabaster Walmart in the Propst Promenade shopping center to collect donations to benefit the Alabama Muscular Dystrophy Association.

While shoppers were enjoying the Alabama sales-tax-free weekend, they also showed plenty of generosity to those battling the debilitating disease.

According to the MDA, those affected by the degenerative disease progressively lose their muscle mass, and can eventually lose their ability to move independently.

The Alabaster Fire Department was one of 70 departments in Alabama to conduct Fill the Boot campaigns this year, continuing a 61-year relationship between MDA and first responders in Alabama.

Through the campaigns, fire departments set up large firefighter boots in front of high-traffic areas in their cities and allow shoppers to donate to the MDA. On Aug. 12, the Alabaster Fire Department presented a $5,409.37 check to Erin Franklin with the Alabama MDA.

“We certainly appreciate everyone’s support to fill the boot,” Golden said. “We appreciate Walmart for letting us set up in front of their store.

“We look forward to continuing it next year,” Golden added.