The Dawson County Board of Commissioners has proclaimed August as Dawson County Firefighters Appreciation Month.

This honor is given not only for protecting Dawson County citizens, but also in observance of the firefighters’ unselfish donation of time and energy in support of the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

“On behalf of the men and women of Dawson County Emergency Services, I appreciate MDA for their interest in going before the commission and asking them to recognize August as Firefighters Appreciation Month,” said Dawson County Emergency Services Chief Lanier Swafford. 

“We know that we are appreciated in our community,” said Swafford.

“People often come up to us and tell us ‘thank you.’  They are very supportive of the work we do. To have an outside agency come in and ask the board for this is special. It says, as firefighters, we are an elite group across the state and nation and to be recognized as such is a great honor,” he added.

On Aug. 22 and 23, Dawson County Emergency Services will kick off the “Fill-the-Boot” fundraiser. The fundraiser benefits the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Motorists may help firefighters fill the boots with dollars and change in support of MDA.

Firefighters will be at the following locations on those days from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. and 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.; Ingles, Kroger, Wal-Mart, Dawsonville Town Square and outside Northgate at Big Canoe.

“I believe we are all called to serve, and service is not only about answering calls. Certainly MDA is one of the charities that we choose to support,” said Swafford. 

“Our men and women are going to be out there on Aug. 22 and 23 seeking your contributions. We ask for your support,” he said. 

“One hundred percent of the money goes to MDA for research and support,” Swafford emphasized. 

“We are proud to once again partner with MDA to raise money in what will hopefully one day stamp out Muscular Dystrophy and its related illnesses,” he added.

Dawson County has raised over $30,000 for MDA and Jerry’s Kids over the past seven years.