On Tuesday, the Selma Fire Department (SFD) presented $5,137.75 to the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA).

This money is the result of hardcore fundraising over the past few months that began in April.

Though this year’s collection is slightly lower than previous years, a fact that SFD Acting Chief Chris Graham attributes to a personnel shortage, it still marks the continuation of a decade’s long relationship between firefighters nationwide and the MDA.

“That’s the thing about our firefighters, they step up and do the job,” Graham said. “Anytime we have a chance to help out the community our firefighters are there.”

“In the early 1950s, several important sponsors became long-standing allies of MDA, including the Tall Cedars of Lebanon of North America, the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) and the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF),” according to MDA’s annual report.

“The NALC quickly established a nationwide door-to-door campaign for MDA and continues to support MDA as a national sponsor today.”

The annual report also claims the fill the boot campaign was an instant success with IAFF membership passing a resolution to support MDA’s fight against muscular dystrophy until cures could be found. Now, over 60 years later, IAFF continues the tradition and has raised more than $26 million each year.

MDA has turned into a high power research tool to help combat the disease.

“Families living with muscular dystrophy, ALS and related life-threatening diseases face daily physical challenges and life-threatening realities. These diseases take away everyday freedoms like walking, running, hugging, getting dressed, brushing one’s teeth and even breathing. That’s why MDA is fighting to give strength, independence and life to every child and adult affected so they can live longer and grow stronger,” wrote Rodney Howell, the chairman for the MDA Board of Directors.

The annual report shows over $1 billion has been invested in the association since 1950.

Thank you SFD for your contribution to the cause.