The Cookeville Fire Department was out in full force at Lowe’s, Wal-Mart and Kroger on Friday, Aug. 13 as it kicked off its annual “Fill the Boot” drive for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Firefighters will also bring out their boots from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 20 and 2:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 27.

“Time and again, these lifesaving heroes give so much of themselves for ‘my kids,’” MDA National Chairman Jerry Lewis said. “I hope people will see their tireless dedication and be moved and inspired to do their part.”

One benefit of Firefighters’ efforts is MDA Summer Camp. It costs the nonprofit $800 to send a child, age 6-17, to camp at no charge to his or her family. Campers enjoy an activity-packed, week-long getaway as they swim, fish, play water games, make crafts and more.

Summer Camp is just one of the many services MDA offers to local families battling muscular dystrophy. The donations collected by the Firefighters will also help fund local clinics and support groups, as well as fund vital research aimed at treatments and cures for neuromuscular diseases.

CITIZENS’ FIRE ACADEMY

The Cookeville Fire Department is now accepting nominations for the Fall 2010 Citizens Fire Academy. Classes meet at City Hall every Tuesday night, from 6pm to 9pm, for ten weeks beginning August 31st and will conclude on November 2nd.

For more information please call (931) 520-5252 or email Bob Lynch at blynch@cookeville-tn.org. Deadline for applications is August 24, 2010.