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A Golden Partnership
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IAFF, MDA Celebrate
50 Years of Friendship and Support |
by Kathy Wechsler
Fire fighters have a special place in our hearts. As children, we
were amazed at their bravery and fearlessness, and awed by their heavy
protective gear and monumental fire engines.
As adults, we admire the heroic men and women who put out fires,
rescue people from burning homes and search for survivors in the rubble
of demolished buildings.
In the United States, professional fire fighters and emergency personnel
are led by the International Association of Fire Fighters, an AFL-CIO-affiliated
labor union. And this year we can celebrate another fire fighter milestone
of heroism the 50th anniversary of the IAFFs teaming up with the
Muscular Dystrophy Association to defeat neuromuscular diseases.
Once Upon a Time
One person can make a difference, and Lt. George Graney of Fire Engine
Company 1 in South Boston is living proof of that. Now in his 90s,
Graney was a member of IAFF Local 718 in 1953, when an old high school
friend, Charlie Crowley, approached him. Crowley, the father of two
boys with muscular dystrophy, feared that his children wouldnt live
to the age of 21.
His sons were unable to walk or attend school, and Crowley needed
help with their costly care. Springing into action to help his former
classmate, Graney, along with 20 other fire fighters, started a door-to-door
canister drive, raising $5,000.
That was just the beginning: Graney learned of the many families
affected by muscular dystrophy and other muscle-wasting diseases and
made a lifetime commitment to raising funds to benefit others in Crowleys
situation.
Shortly afterward, Graney and fire fighters across Boston launched
a citywide fund-raising campaign, which eventually spread statewide.
Thus, the Fill-the-Boot campaign was born.
Together with Crowley, Graney convinced the national IAFF organization
to take MDAs cause under its wing.
During the IAFFs 1954 convention in Miami, Graney proposed making
MDA the unions "charity of choice." General President John
P. Redmond agreed to support MDA "until a cure is found."
This decision was "approved with fervor," according to the
IAFF, and marked the beginning of 50 productive years of friendship
between the two organizations.
"George Graney is a living example of our members commitment
to MDA and exemplifies what our membership represents," said
IAFFs General President Harold A. Schaitberger in an article on the
IAFFs Web site about the history of the partnership.
The Beat Goes On
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In 1974, fire fighters Jim Cooper, left, and Floyd Cornford of IAFF
Local 1906 in Lompoc, Calif., prepare for a perennial favorite fund-raiser for
MDA Fill-the-Boot.
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Following in Graneys footsteps, fire fighters across the country
have committed themselves to raising funds for MDA, with Fill-the-Boot
still the favorite activity. Each year, members of hundreds of IAFF
locals invite the public at intersections and sports events to fill
a fire fighter boot with donations for MDA.
IAFF members put their heads together to develop a variety of other
creative fund-raising techniques.
Over the years, fire fighters have placed collection jars in stores
and restaurants, supported charity softball games, bowling tournaments,
chili cookoffs, auctions and more. IAFF leaders and top fund-raisers
appear every year on local and national segments of the Jerry Lewis
MDA Labor Day Telethon.
IAFFs support grew steadily. In 1974, President William H. McClennan
presented Lewis with a check for $300,000. In the early 1980s, fire
fighters reached the $1 million mark in donations to MDA. The figures
rapidly climbed to $4.4 million in 1984.
Across the country, local and national MDA Goodwill Ambassadors have
visited fire stations and IAFF meetings to thank fire fighters for
their hard work for MDA. As IAFF locals organized marches, drives
and other events to benefit MDA, the two organizations developed close
ties, and many personal friendships were born.
 |
| A Scarsdale, N.Y., fire fighter and New York State
MDA Poster Child Melissa Male kick off a bike event in 1980. |
Virtually since the beginning of MDAs summer camp program in the
mid-1950s, fire fighters have been involved. Today these generous
men and women fill a large number of summer camp volunteer positions,
donating their time and skills to ensure that kids have an unforgettable
week of fun.
IAFF support has made a huge difference in MDAs research, services
and public health education programs. Especially since Schaitbergers
election in 2000, donations from IAFF members have snowballed, helping
ensure the continuation of MDAs vital services.
In the process, the IAFF in the United States and Canada boasting
more than 265,000 members has become MDAs largest sponsor, contributing
over $200 million in its half century of involvement, including a
record $18.3 million last year.
"Ive seen [what MDA does], and I know the good work thats
being done," said Schaitberger, whos also an MDA vice president.
"Without question, its one of the greatest charitable causes
in the world. Its a natural match for our people, and Ive made it
a point to make sure that it receives a high priority in my administration."
Code of Honor
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During the 2002 MDA Telethon, Jerry Lewis pays tribute to his
heroes bravery and thanks IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger
for nearly five decades of friendship and support.
|
"I would think that people would do well to follow the example
of professional fire fighters," Schaitberger said. "They
work in a noble, honorable profession. Theyre willing to place themselves
at risk on behalf of their community, and then they take the time
and the interest to go out and do important work for a charity that
helps so many that are in such need."
Schaitberger, who had worked as a fire fighter for 10 years before
moving into the union side full-time, began to target geographical
areas that werent active in supporting MDA when he became IAFF president.
"We made it a real commitment," said Schaitberger, who
finds supporting MDA to be therapeutic for the unions members. "They
come across a lot of tragedy, a lot of trauma, and theres a lot of
negative aspects to the work they do. And I think they find a lot
of joy and positive feedback from engaging in something that clearly
does so much good."
By nature, fire fighters cant bear to see people, especially children,
in pain, said Schaitberger, whos been involved with MDA since 1976.
Theyre exposed to so much tragedy and suffering in the line of duty
that they jump at the chance to actively put their focus on children
in need and help them.
When the Going Gets Tough
When tragedy struck our nation on Sept. 11, 2001, the IAFF family
suffered a tremendous loss, as 343 fire fighters gave up their lives
to rescue several thousand workers and visitors from the post-attack
rubble of the World Trade Center in New York.
9-11... 2001
It was a dark day in America.
There was no amazing grace.
Freedom did not ring.
Tragedy attacked sky-high.
Fiery terror reigned.
Structures collapsed.
Red with blood, white with ash,
And out-of-the-sky blue.
As children trust elders,
Citizens find faith in leaders.
But all were blinded,
Shocked by the blasts.
Undefiable outrage.
Undeniable outpouring
Of support, even prayer,
Or at least, moments of silence.
Church and State
Could not be separated.
A horrific blasting of events
With too few happy endings.
Can the children sleep
Safely in their beds tonight?
Can the citizens ever rest
Assured of national security again?
God, please, bless America...
And the rest of our earthly home.
Mattie Stepanek
Sept. 11, 2001
Reprinted with permission from Hyperion Books
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MDA National Chairman Jerry Lewis, in a letter to Schaitberger after
the Sept. 11 tragedy, said, "To know that thousands of your members
men and women of the IAFF whom I consider to be my heroes were
fallen as a result of this horrific event strikes a personal chord
of enormous grief."
The 2002 MDA Telethon opened with a special tribute to New York fire
fighters. As if in an effort to prove that Americans wont be defeated,
IAFF members presented Lewis with checks totaling $17 million, a record
amount and an unbelievable $2 million more than the 2001 total presented
on the Telethon nine days prior to the terrorist attack.
 |
| IAFFs Schaitberger and
MDA National Goodwill Ambassador Mattie Stepanek have been friends
since long before Mattie published his first book of poetry. |
MDA National Goodwill Ambassador Mattie J.T. Stepanek is also a big
fan of the fire fighters. In a letter to them about Sept. 11, he wrote,
"Fire fighters were true heroes. Even in the smoke of the fires,
we could see clearly why the USA is called the home of the brave
look at all the members of the New York Fire Department who put their
duty and other peoples lives first."
Mattie, who has formed a deep friendship with Schaitberger, composed
a heartfelt poem on the day of the terrorist attacks.
Mattie is "an unbelievable child," said Schaitberger, who knew
the 13-year-old world-renowned poet when he was just another local
MDA child going to IAFF softball tournaments for MDA in Maryland.
"I still cant really comprehend his sensitivity and his intelligence."
Golden Days
To show its appreciation to the IAFF for 50 years of support, MDA
plans a variety of promotions across the country this year, including
print and radio ads, press coverage of local IAFF-MDA events, and
newspaper, magazine and TV features. MDA also will give the IAFF special
thank-yous during both the 2004 Telethon and the IAFF Biennial Convention
in Boston in August.
"On this golden anniversary, Id like to give thanks to fire
fighters across the country for their tireless support of MDA and
my kids," Lewis said. "These faithful heroes have been
by my side for 50 years, as we lead the fight against neuromuscular
diseases."
Schaitberger is working to make 2004 an even bigger success for MDA
than last years $18.3 million.
"This has been a terrific partnership over these 50 years,"
said Schaitberger. "This is going to be a very special year.
Were looking forward to this Telethon, and I think were going to
surprise everybody, and itll be history in the making."
J.J. Halsey
Colorado Springs Fire Department
IAFF Local 5
J.J. Halsey, president of the Colorado Springs
Professional Fire Fighters Union Local 5, respects the history
and tradition behind IAFFs support of MDA. In addition, he
has a personal reason for his undying commitment to MDAs search
for treatments and cures for more than 40 neuromuscular diseases.
Halseys father, John, was found to have amyotrophic
lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrigs disease) in 1995. Halsey, 39,
considered his dad to be his best friend. Theyd go golfing
or just relax and enjoy their time together.
 |
| J.J. Halsey, IAFF
Local 5 president, and Cody Malone rev up for a ride on
Harley Night at MDA summer camp. |
"It was hard to go from watching him very
active to progressively getting worse and worse with the disease
until he finally passed away [in 1997]," said Halsey, a
driver/engineer at Station 1 for the Colorado Springs Fire Department.
"Ive seen the personal effect that these
diseases have on families. Without the support of the MDA and
all the programs that go with it, it would just be a monumental
task to have to take on by yourself."
Scott Reiman, Local 5s second vice president,
whos assigned to organizing MDA events, is "a really good
coordinator for our local that has just gone way above and beyond
any expectations that Ive had. Its just turned our local events
into annual really successful events," Halsey said.
Halsey participates in a variety of MDA events
throughout the year. Every year, he and nearly 400 fire
fighters at 20 stations look forward to the chili cookoff, Fill-the-Boot
activities and other special events. A golf tournament
is in the making.
"We see where the money [for MDA] comes
from because we go out and earn some of it," said Halsey,
whos been with the fire department for 10 years. "Then
follow it up by going to camp and we get to see where that money
ends."
Last year, Halsey and Reiman were both counselors
at MDAs summer camp in Empire, Colo.
"Hopefully, well progressively be getting
more and more fire fighters to go up to camp and just participate
in it," said Halsey. His most memorable IAFF experience
was spending time at camp last year with 8-year-old Cody Malone,
2004 MDA Goodwill Ambassador for Colorado. "Thats where
you get the real impact of what we do."
Halsey, who has two children, says the IAFF
and MDA have a natural fit because fire fighters love kids.
His personal perspective fuels his interest in motivating people
to participate.
"In recent months, weve had some fire
fighters, not from our department but in our state, that have
been diagnosed with MD and it just puts a face on it,"
said Halsey. "We try to do whatever we can and make a difference." |
Steve and Ed Beuerlein
Phoenix Fire Department
IAFF Local 493
Steve and Ed Beuerlein have a personal connection
with MDA. Their nephews, Steven and Nicolas Beuerlein, 15 and
13, are affected by spinal muscular atrophy. Both use wheelchairs
for mobility, but, as their Uncle Steve points out, theyre
just like any other teenagers.
 |
Steven, 15, and Nicolas, 13, motivate their uncles, fire
fighters Steve and Ed Beuerlein, to raise funds for MDA. |
"I am just more aware of how important
is what we do by volunteering our time and helping raise money
for MDA," said Steve, 41. "It makes me want to find
a cure that much quicker."
Steve has had 14 years with the Phoenix Fire
Department. As a roving fire captain, he works at different
stations every shift and is a business manager for the United
Phoenix Fire Fighters Local 493. His brother, Ed, is an engineer
for Fire Station 13 and has been with the Phoenix Fire Department
for 10 years.
"The IAFF and MDA teaming up for fund raising
and research is extremely important," said Ed, 37. "I
think Fill-the-Boot has had tremendous success and that is just
one of many fund-raising events that the fire departments across
the country take part in."
Each year the Beuerlein brothers, and other
members of their large family, take part in Fill-the-Boot campaigns,
Bowl-a-Thon and silent auctions at Bank One Ballpark for MDA.
They also work the phones for the MDA Telethon and the Tempe
Taste of Town, an outdoor silent auction event.
In addition, they hold the Betty Beuerlein Memorial
Golf Tournament, a tribute to their mother, Betty, who died
of cancer in 1986. Last year, the Beuerlein brothers helped
load and unload the MDA summer camp buses.
"My two nephews having SMA has raised my
awareness of the problem and how big it is," Ed said. "It
also made me realize how much the disease affects the entire
family."
Steve has fond memories of his family pooling
their efforts to help MDA at the Telethon. "Every year
after the Telethon we go have dinner so its one of those times,
almost like Thanksgiving, where we spend some time together." |
A Family Gives Thanks
Cheyenne City Fire Department
IAFF Local 279
"The fire fighters are an extraordinary
group of individuals that come together year after year to help
Jerrys kids," said Kim and Byron Phillips of Cheyenne,
Wyo. Their son, Zachary, 9, has Duchenne muscular dystrophy
and serves as the local MDA Goodwill Ambassador.
"The strength and courage the fire fighters
bring to the children is nothing short of miraculous. They are
great!"
 |
| From left, Kip Sanders, Zachary Phillips and Byron Mathews present a check
to KTWOs Susan Burk during the 2003 Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon in Casper, Wyo. |
Zachary, who has a special relationship with
members of the Cheyenne City Fire Department, became involved
with the fire fighters shortly after his family attended its
first Wyoming broadcast of the MDA Telethon in 2001. After he
met Byron Mathews, a longtime fire fighter and the "main
man" at Local 279 for MDA fund raising, the two became
fast friends.
Zachary, a third-grader at Deming Elementary
School, visits the fire fighters at their station whenever possible.
Mathews says Zachary brings a little spark of excitement.
"For the most part, Zachary is a face and
an actual child that the fire fighters can see and relate to
for why they are out there busting their butts to raise money,"
said Zacharys dad. "He is an inspiration, a spark for
hope and a means to the end. Hopefully they see Zachary as the
Reason Why. Zachary is their little glimmer of hope and they
are his big brothers."
Besides his regular visits to the fire station,
Zachary, whose DMD is progressing slowly, rides in the fire
trucks when his friends are drumming up support in the community.
He also attends their regional meetings, thanking fire fighters
for their unflagging support of MDA. He never tires of participating
in the annual Fill-the-Boot campaign and helping "arrest"
and "release" supporters during the local MDA Lock-Up
each year.
Zachary, who wants to be a fire fighter or a
pilot when hes older, enjoys going to fire stations and exploring
the fire engines, collecting bugs and rocks, drawing, playing
outside with his little brother, Shaun, and visiting relatives
in Missouri and Oklahoma.
After a regional meeting, a group of fire fighters
asked Zachary if he wanted to go for a ride on one of their
big ladder trucks.
"Of course, Zachary said yes," his
mom said.
Things became exciting a few blocks away from
the meeting place. The fire fighters received a call to respond
to a fire across town at a popular restaurant. They quickly
decided to strap a helmet on Zachary, and off they went, creating
memories to last a lifetime.
"Once a fire fighter starts getting involved
and helping these wonderful children, he or she cant help but
want to do more," said Kim. "It is like a mission
for them and they love the challenge." |
Close to Home
San Antonio Fire Department
IAFF Local 624
"I think its a wonderful partnership that
MDA and IAFF have had for the last 50 years," said Scott
Hicks of the San Antonio Fire Department, whose 12-year-old
son, Jake, has Becker muscular dystrophy. "It certainly
helped us out a lot, and when you think about the IAFF being
the largest single contributor to MDA, it certainly means a
lot to us and our family. Its real nice to be affiliated with
both sides of it."
Texas is the number one state in the country
for funds raised in the Fill-the-Boot program. In 2003, Texas
fire fighters raised more than $2.3 million for MDA.
 |
Scott and Jake Hicks |
"I think a lot of it probably has to do,
at least locally, with just the publicity and getting the word
out and making people aware of Fill-the-Boot and Telethon,"
said Hicks, a lieutenant for Station 24 and a member of IAFF
Local 624. "When you can put a personal face on it thats
a local face, I think that people probably respond to that pretty
well."
At the time of Jakes diagnosis, Hicks learned
of two other fire fighters in San Antonio whose children had
Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The three fire fighters continue
to work together to further MDAs mission.
Hicks was active in Fill-the-Boot for many years,
but after Jake was found to have BMD, the event became much
more personal for his family. Staff from the local MDA office
encouraged the family to become more involved with MDA. Hearing
of Hicks situation, fire fighters from his station became extremely
motivated and devoted to finding a cure for muscular dystrophy.
For the last few years, the Hicks family has
helped with the local Telethon broadcast, answering phones and
presenting checks from local fire stations. Recently, Jakes
helped present the checks on TV.
"That kind of brings it home for him and
makes it a little more real for him," said Hicks, who,
along with his wife, Kim, keeps in touch with the local MDA
office and assists in any way possible.
MDA summer camp is an eye-opening experience
for Jake, whos been to camp three times.
"When he goes and sees that therere a
lot of people that are a lot worse off than he is, it keeps
it in perspective for him that hes not doing too bad,"
said Hicks. "I think it also gives him a little bit of
empathy for some of the other kids and gives him an opportunity
to help them out and want to be more supportive for some of
the kids that do have it a little worse than he does." |
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