Firefighters 'Fill the Boot' for Muscular Dystrophy

Columbia firefighters will be at intersections around Columbia this week asking Midlands residents to drop some money in their boots for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. 

The Columbia-Richland Fire Department's Boot Drive starts Wednesday and continues through Friday from 7:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. at the following intersections:

• Assembly & Gervais 
• Huger & Blossom
• Devine & Harden
• Bull & Elmwood
• Main & Sunset
• Bush River & Broad River
• South Beltline & Rosewood
• Forest Drive & Beltline
• Leesburg & Garners Ferry
• Two Notch & Decker
• Sparkleberry & Two Notch
• Hwy 21 & Blythewood
• Pineview & Garners Ferry
• Kennerly & Broad River
• Trenholm & Forest Drive
• Rabon Rd & Farrow Rd
• Rhame Rd & Clemson Rd

The Muscular Dystrophy Association’s relationship with the Columbia Fire Department goes back more than 50 years. The drive grew in the late 1990s when they were allowed to collect in the intersections and on duty. At that time, the department was inspired by the grandson of Retired Battalion Chief Taylor McEntire who was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy. Taylor’s spirit continues to be a driving force behind the drive that has helped families throughout the Midlands and has risen over $2.3 million in the past 13 years.

The Columbia-Richland Fire Department was honored by the MDA last week for raising the most money for the 2012 Boot Drive, making the department number one in the Southeast and one of the top 10 in the nation.

Columbia firefighters raised more than $132,700, thanks to the citizens of Columbia and Richland County. 

“With the communities assistance we can ‘Fill the Boot’ and surpass last year’s total, so when you see a Firefighter please make a donation”, Fire Chief Aubrey Jenkins said.