Buffalo Grove Fire Department Recognized for MDA Fundraising Efforts

The Buffalo Grove Fire Department was honored this week for being among the top fundraisers in the area for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

The department’s annual “Fill the Boot” campaign, which sends firefighters and volunteers into Buffalo Grove roadways to collect donations from motorists and Buffalo Grove Days parade spectators, the department received $24,047.11 this year, said organizer Joe Alexander.

Since the department began its efforts 20 years ago, it has collected more $300,000, Alexander said. Buffalo Grove was the first department in Illinois to surpass $300,000, he said.

“It’s a wonderful cause and you do a great job,” Village President Jeff Braiman told Alexander Monday night, when the department was recognized by an MDA representative. 

Firefighters and volunteers will be back on the streets next summer. Alexander said they hope to raise $25,000 in 2013.