June 03, 2025
Local News

Sterling firefighters hope to fill boot virtually for annual fundraiser

By Eric Ingles
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Sterling firefighters Garrett Ramos (left) and Mike Liedberg wave at a passing vehicle from the department's main station Tuesday afternoon. The Fill the Boot campaign to help the Muscular Dystrophy Association has been moved from the streets to online this year. (Alex T)

STERLING – In a normal, non-pandemic year, people driving through Sterling would see firefighters out at major intersections with a boot, collecting donations for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

With a focus on maintaining social distancing this year, the MDA and firefighters have had to come up with an alternative. The Sterling Firefighters Local 2301 will still be asking people to chip in to help the MDA research and combat muscular dystrophy and other disorders afflicting the nervous system, but the Fill the Boot drive will be happening virtually.

The campaign will run the last week of September.

"It's something that the MDA came up with nationally," Local 2301 President Garrett Ramos said. "A lot of departments are jumping on as well, so we figured we'd give it a shot and see what kind of response we'd get."

Ramos fears that donations will be low this year, just because things aren't as much in the public eye, but the Local 2301 membership still plans to match whatever is raised.

"It's nice because we get to see those funds returned into the community just on calls we've been on," Ramos said. "Our MDA members have received benefits from funds we've raised. That's also a really good thing as well."

This is the 65th year the International Association of Fire Fighters has been involved with the MDA. The MDA itself was founded in 1950.

Firefighters will hold other events too, such as guest bartending or golf outings, funds which the firefighters often add to what the bring in from Fill the Boot. Ramos said raising money for the MDA is something firefighters look forward to every year.

"We try to get a good date on the street, usually around Labor Day," Ramos said. "Our members are really supportive. We typically have a meal the guys who are on shift will prep for the guys on the street. Either we have chili going or sandwiches. It's just something that brings us together as well."

To donate to the Fill the Boot campaign, go to filltheboot.donordrive.com/participant/SterlingLocal2301.