Pawtucket Fire Department Wins First Prize in Fundraiser
PAWTUCKET – The Pawtucket Fire Department has come out on top in a fundraising competition for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), Fire Chief William Sisson has announced. Raising a total of $30,475, members of the Pawtucket Fire Department Local #1261, IAFF won a statewide competition run by the Rhode Island Chapter of the MDA, beating out every other department in Rhode Island. Pawtucket Union members spent numerous hours of their free time at a number of events, raising money to fund research for a cure to Muscular Dystrophy and to aid those who suffer from it.
“We are proud of the many firefighters who gave their free time to help raise money for Muscular Dystrophy this year,” said Mayor Donald R. Grebien. “The fact that members of our department were able to raise the most in the state shows their commitment.”
“I was simply blown away when I heard from the Union that they had raised the most money in the entire state,” said Fire Chief William Sisson, “I’m proud to hear that so much was accomplished.”
Organized by FF. Chris McCluskie, Rescue/FF. Tiffany Pacheco, Rescue Capt. Wes Meyer, FF. Adam Kestler, and FF. Steve Oliveira. Firefighters from Pawtucket participated in events such as the famed Fill the Boot drive, as well as Kegs for a Cure and the MDA Muscle Walk, to raise the funds.
Over 100,000 firefighters nationwide participate in events benefiting the MDA every year, with the “Fill the Boot” drive raising $24 million in 2017 alone. Pawtucket Local 1261 IAFF was one of the more than 1500 Union chapters to participate, with the IAFF supporting the drive since 1954.