Firefighters can 'fill the boot,' but without trucks

It will allow off-duty Anchorage firefighters to wear their turnout gear while participating in the upcoming Muscular Dystrophy Association of Alaska's fill-the-boot campaign.

But they won't be able to bring fire trucks, and firefighters on duty won't be able to join in.

"It's disappointing. Obviously it's not an ideal situation for us," said Sabrina Hoppes, executive director of the MDA here.

Having fire trucks nearby attracts the attention of passersby, Hoppes has said.

But she still expects hundreds of off-duty firefighters to participate.

"The Fire Department has always been amazing in volunteering their time," she said. And firefighters from Elmendorf Air Force Base, Kulis Air National Guard Base, Chugiak and Girdwood volunteer fire departments are expected to join the Anchorage Fire Department volunteers, she said.

Firefighters annually help out with the fundraising campaign on the Friday before Labor Day, which this year will be Sept. 3 from 3 to 6 p.m.

Wearing some of their gear, the firefighters go out on prominent street corners and sometimes walk among parked cars at red lights, seeking donations.

Sullivan contended that it was unethical for firefighters on duty to participate, though they have been allowed to man corners in their service areas up until this year.

The Assembly last month passed an ordinance that made it clear on-duty employees can ethically participate in some charity fundraisers. The mayor vetoed the ordinance. The Assembly overturned the veto July 27.

But that still left it up to the mayor to set policy for when and how city employees on the job can participate in charitable fundraising.

The mayor signed a new policy Thursday that says sponsors of community service events can ask for a contribution of city resources, including employees. But it says the primary purpose of the event can't be fundraising. Fourth of July celebrations and Fur Rendezvous are cited as examples of community service events.

The MDA fundraiser doesn't qualify.

But another provision of the policy would allow use of city equipment that is valued under $500 for events on approval, and that clears the use of firefighter uniforms for fill-the-boot.

The policy includes a note saying the city intends to continue the annual Municipal Employee Fund-Raising Campaign, but wants to reduce or eliminate employee time needed for oversight.

There's also a section to allow city participation in fundraising for a city service, such as a fundraising effort to raise money for police dogs.

The Assembly passed a resolution Tuesday in a 6-5 vote that re-iterated its contention that city fire trucks should be allowed to be present at the fundraising sites as long as they stay within their own fire districts.

But the resolution "is just a resolution. It doesn't compel the mayor to do anything," said city attorney Dennis Wheeler.

And under the mayor's policy, trucks are out.

Find Rosemary Shinohara online at adn.com/contact/rshinohara or call her at 257-4340.