Havre Firefighters to 'Fill the Boot'

As part of the annual tradition firefighters across the nation uphold, the Havre Firefighters Local 601 will be on the streets of Havre Friday to raise money for Muscular Dystrophy Association.

D.J. Olson, the president of the Local 601, said they will be out at 3rd Avenue and 1st Street from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. with boots in hand. There will also be a barbecue served at 11 a.m. by Big Willy’s BBQ until the food is gone for $5 a plate. Coca-Cola Bottling Co. is donating drinks to the event. The barbecue will be at Town Square.

Across the state of Montana, 21 unions participate in the fundraiser, Olson said. Last year, Havre’s firefighters came in fifth in the state for the most funds raised, beating Butte and Bozeman last year.

Olson said five years ago, when he started his position, they made about $2,500. Last year, they brought in $8,500.

“It’s gone up quite a bit,” he said. “We’re hoping to go over $10,000 this year, if all goes well.”

The firefighters will be holding boots out at red lights on the street to collect funds, much of which will go to Camp Make-A-Dream in Gold Creek and other camps nationwide. The funds also go to clinics and other life-enhancing programs for those with muscular dystrophy.

The Havre firefighters have been participating in the fundraiser for decades, Olson said.