Fiscal Note
No fiscal impact.
Title
Authorizing Fire Fighters employed by the City of Madison to participate in the partnership between the International Association of Fire Fighters and the Muscular Dystrophy Association by soliciting for donations during the annual "Fill the Boot" campaign.
Body
WHEREAS, the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) is the labor organization that represents the 300,000 professional fire fighters who serve the public by saving lives and protecting property in cities and governmental units throughout the United States and Canada; and,
WHEREAS, the IAFF is the single largest national sponsor of the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) and its annual Labor Day telethon; and,
WHERES, since 1954, when it first initiated its partnership with the MDA, IAFF members have raised over $300 Million toward the worldwide research efforts of MDA to eradicate 40 neuromuscular diseases; and,
WHEREAS, the contributions generated through the efforts of fire fighters also go towards MDA's summer camps for children, professional and public health education, and other programs; and,
WHEREAS, each year fire fighters raise millions of dollars nationwide through their passionate Fill the Boot campaigns, in which fire fighters greet motorists, shoppers and others and collect donations of money to MDA in their fire boots; and,
WHEREAS, the commitment of the fire fighters to the cause of MDA has further elevated their image as extraordinary professionals who not only put their own lives at stake to save others from fires, explosions, structural collapses, and other disasters but also as heroes helping to work toward saving the lives of the innocent victims of neuromuscular diseases; and,
WHEREAS, the devoted support of IAFF members to the MDA not only provides significant financial assistance to finding a cure for these diseases, but also strengthens the relationship between the fire fighters and the members of the community they serve through the face to face meetings during the Fill the Boot campaign; and,
WHEREAS, several states have passed statutes authorizing fire fighters to conduct the Fill the Boot activities while on duty; and,
WHEREAS, City of Madison fire fighters are active members of IAFF Local 311 and long-standing participants in the Fill the Boot campaign; and,
WHEREAS, unlike other City of Madison employees, fire fighters work a twenty-four hour shift that includes down time for personal activities; and,
WHEREAS, Madison fire fighters conduct their Fill the Boot activities in a manner that neither interferes with or precludes the performance of their regular daily duties nor detracts from other work-related obligations to the public; and,
WHEREAS, the Wisconsin Chapter of the MDA has recognized the significant and valuable contribution of Madison fire fighters to their annual fund raising efforts and strongly seeks their continued participation; and,
WHEREAS, the City of Madison supports the efforts of IAFF Local 311 and the MDA to find a cure for these terrible diseases; and,
WHEREAS, City of Madison Fire Fighters ability to perform their critical public safety services, including emergency medical services and fire fighting, is enhanced by the creation of a strong relationship of trust and confidence between City of Madison Fire Fighters and our community both individually and collectively; and,
WHEREAS, it is therefore in the interest of the City of Madison for the general welfare of its citizens and the enhanced success of the important mission of the Madison Fire Department to build and strengthen strong community ties through this unique and longstanding community event which has been participated in by fire fighters in over 800 communities nationwide for more than 50 years and to support the fundraising activities of MDA, which provides and important public service and relieves the government of making such expenditures; and,
WHEREAS, the City of Madison recognizes that participation by its fire fighters in the nationwide MDA Fill the Boot campaign serves not only to raise money for MDA but also benefits the City by greatly enhancing the image of its fire fighters as dedicated public servants engaged in the community through their employment and in service to charitable causes,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Common Council of the City of Madison that, notwithstanding any provisions of City of Madison Ethics Code, Madison fire fighters may participate in the annual, three (3) day MDA Fill the Boot campaign while on duty, to sunset at the end of 2012, subject to reasonable conditions and limitations as may be established from time to time by the Fire Chief.