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Farmington Fire Sets Fill The Boot Drive
BOOT 2
The larger than life boot that is placed at the Farmington firehouse to help publicize the Fill the Boot drive is near the highway, with firefighter Matt Bailey staged at the intersection of Highway 4 and Escalon-Bellota to collect donations in a normal sized turnout boot. Marg Jackson/The Times

Back for another year, the Farmington Fire Department will be out in force over the weekend, hoisting their turnout boots to collect donations.

Money raised through the ‘Fill the Boot’ drive goes to the Firefighters Burn Institute in Sacramento to help provide programs and services for burn victims.

Farmington Fire Chief Conni Bailey said they are doing a three-day drive, starting on Friday, Feb. 7 and continuing both Saturday, Feb. 8 and Sunday, Feb. 9. Hours will be 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.

Firefighters seek the donations from passing motorists and they are stationed at the four corners, where Highway 4 and Escalon-Bellota Road intersect, adjacent to the Farmington firehouse.

Last year, the drive netted about $20,000 for the Firefighters Burn Institute and Bailey said they hope to equal that total this year.

Drivers who donate are given an informational flyer about the Burn Institute and can place that on their dashboard so they aren’t asked for another donation the next time through the intersection.

Bailey added the drive has been very successful over the years, with the high volume of traffic seen on the busy corridor. The chief said she anticipates having about nine volunteers out there at varying times, seeking the donations. The ‘Fill the Boot’ drive is hosted, rain or shine.