Politics & Government

Firefighters Praised for MDA Support

The Buffalo Grove Fire Department was the highest contributor in Lake County to the Muscular Dystrophy Association in 2011.

Buffalo Grove firefighters were lauded Monday for their fundraising efforts on behalf of the Muscular Dystrophy Association. The department collected $22,245 during its , making it the top contributor in Lake County and the fourth highest contributor across the Chicago area.

Event coordinator Joe Alexander accepted a plaque from an MDA representative who praised the department’s work during the Village Board meeting.

“I’m just out there with a boot and a smile, taking their money,” Alexander responded.

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Over the past 19 years, the has raised more than $280,000 for the cause by collecting donations from motorists and during , said Gina Iorio, director of Chicago’s MDA program.

The volunteers were also thanked by , an Arlington Heights resident who serves as an MDA ambassador and receives assistance from the organization. 

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“This village and [Fire] chief [Terry Vavra] and the firefighters are usually out there for 14 hours. This service helps me and my family tremendously. This really means a lot of me, from the bottom of my heart,” he said.

Alexander, who noted that money the department raises is used locally, said his team remains committed to the effort.

“We’ll continue to do it until we find a cure,” he said.


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