Nashville Fire Department and IAFF Local 140 Kick Off Annual MDA Fill the Boot Campaign

Since 1954, the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) has united communities to collect critical funds for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) - one dollar at a time - through the Fill the Boot program. Firefighters from the Nashville Fire Department (NFD) and IAFF Local 140 will continue this tradition, supporting families living with muscular dystrophy, ALS, and related neuromuscular diseases.

We are proud to share that, with the incredible support of our community, the NFD and Local 140 raised more than $152,000 during their 2025 Fill the Boot campaign. This outstanding effort ranked 3rd in the nation and 1st in the state of Tennessee for funds raised.

The 2026 campaign will kick off August 28th and continue through September 12th. Dedicated firefighters from the NFD and IAFF Local 140 will take to the streets, storefronts, and other locations with boots in hand, asking pedestrians, motorists, and shoppers to help transform the lives of children and adults living with muscular dystrophy, ALS, and other related neuromuscular diseases.

Community members and businesses are encouraged to donate when they see firefighters around the city. Donations can also be made online to support this vital cause.

https://filltheboot.donordrive.com/teams/22567/donate

"Firefighters have proudly supported the Muscular Dystrophy Association's mission to help families live longer, stronger lives, and we are honored to continue this partnership and tradition," NFD Director Chief William Swann said. "Every dollar raised in our community brings hope, helps fund life-changing research, and supports care that makes a difference for families nationwide."

The historic partnership between MDA and IAFF began in 1954 when IAFF adopted MDA as its charity of choice. Firefighters nationwide have supported MDA for generations, helping children and adults living with muscular dystrophy, ALS, and related neuromuscular diseases. In addition to Fill the Boot, firefighters volunteer at MDA Summer Camp, providing children with neuromuscular diseases a week of fun and independence. MDA and IAFF also collaborate to raise awareness and provide resources for firefighters impacted by ALS.

About the IAFF

The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) is one of the largest and most influential labor unions in North America. They are committed to advancing the rights, safety, and future of fire fighters, emergency medical workers, and rescue workers across the United States and Canada. To learn more visit IAFF.org and follow the IAFF at Facebook , Twitter , and Instagram .

About Muscular Dystrophy Association

Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) is the #1 voluntary health organization in the United States for people living with muscular dystrophy, ALS, and related neuromuscular diseases. Since 1950, MDA has led the way in accelerating research, advancing care, and advocating for the support of our families. MDA's mission is to empower the people we serve to live longer, more independent lives. To learn more visit mda.org and follow MDA on Instagram , Facebook , Twitter , TikTok , and LinkedIn .