Lorton Firefighters Set Pace as Fairfax Co. Breaks Fundraising Goal

Last weekend was Labor Day and for the fire and rescue teams of Stations 19 and 20, that means it's time for some serious fundraising. As is always the case on the first weekend in September, the beneficiary of the stations' fundraising efforts was the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Anyone in and about town from Thursday through Monday probably saw the firefighters brave warm temperatures for the annual "Fill the Boot" campaign. At intersections all over Lorton, they accepted donations large and small. And the donations came in record numbers, too.

On a county basis, according to Communications Director Joel Kobersteen, Fairfax residents helped the fire and rescue teams soar past their goal of $475,000 by giving in excess of $561,000.

"Considering how tough the economy has been, the generosity of the citizens was amazing," Kobersteen said. Kobersteen also noted that Station No. 19 on Armistead Road totaled $16,317.93, which was the highest mark in station history, easily surpassing the $14,000 raised in 2008.

The unit led by Captain Matthew Lopez was pivotal in setting a new record, bringing in $4,500 by itself in one shift.

Station No. 20 on Mason Neck, without access to the high traffic areas like No. 19 raised an impressive $4,375.68.

Combine the generosity of Lortonians with some hard-working firefighters and the MDA comes out the real winner.