Firefighters honored by city

WELL DESERVED- Mayor Paul Miller presents a decree to Ventura County firefighter Steve Kaufmann proclaiming February as "Firefighter Appreciation Month."

The City Council of Simi Valley recently proclaimed February as Firefighter Appreciation Month.

Every year the firefighters of Ventura County IAFF Local No. 1364 fill their boots for "Jerry's Kids" at Sycamore Drive and Cochran Street in Simi Valley.

Firefighters dressed in uniform are stationed on the corners of the intersection.

They hold out their rubber boots to give passing cars and pedestrians the opportunity to drop in donations to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. The campaign this year raised more than $19,000.

To show appreciation, in February the association will visit the firefighters and send personal thank-you cards from children affected with neuromuscular diseases.

The funds raised will remain local in the Tri-Counties area and be used to send children to MDA's summer camp, fund research, purchase medical equipment and support a comprehensive patient services program.

Individuals diagnosed with one of the neuromuscular diseases MDA covers receive these services free of charge.