[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 16283]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING FAIRFAX COUNTY FIREFIGHTERS' EFFORTS TO FIGHT MUSCULAR 
                               DYSTROPHY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 22, 2010

  Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the 
firefighters of Fairfax County for their efforts in fighting muscular 
dystrophy in Northern Virginia and the National Capital Region. The 
International Association of Firefighters local 2068, in coordination 
with the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department and the Fairfax 
County Department of Public Safety Communications, collected more than 
$561,000 at their annual ``Fill the Boot'' campaign over Labor Day 
weekend, more than any other jurisdiction in the nation.
  While they are committed to keeping the residents of Northern 
Virginia safe, the firefighters and paramedics of Fairfax County are 
also dedicated to improving the lives of those in their community 
through education and charitable efforts such as the ``Fill the Boot'' 
campaign.
  Thanks to the generosity and support of the community, this year's 
contributions to the Muscular Dystrophy Association will help those in 
the Washington, DC area affected by the disease. Resources such as the 
outpatient clinics at Children's National Medical Center and Georgetown 
University Hospital will benefit, as will the Muscular Dystrophy 
Association camp in Leonardtown, MD. The firefighters' contribution far 
exceeded their goal of $475,000, adding to the previous 56 years of 
success in which firefighters nationwide have raised more than $425 
million for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in commending the 
firefighters of Fairfax County for their efforts to fight muscular 
dystrophy. They risk their lives every day to ensure the well being and 
safety of our communities. These heroes often go unrecognized for their 
dedication and sacrifices. On behalf of the residents of the 11th 
District of Virginia, I am honored to thank these brave men and women 
for their contributions to our communities.

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