The Austin Fire Department set a new record after raising about $20,500 during its annual “Fill the Boot” Muscular Dystrophy Association fundraising drive last week.

From 3-7 p.m. on Wednesday through Friday of last week, Austin firefighters volunteered their time to stand at the intersections of Fourth Street and First Drive Northwest, Eighth Avenue and 14th Street Northwest and Oakland Avenue near the fire station to take collections from drivers in an effort to raise money for muscular dystrophy research. Money raised will also be used to send children with muscular dystrophy to a special summer camp that accommodates their needs.

According to firefighter/engineer Jim Halsey, who organized the event, the AFD’s goal was to raise $18,000.

“We shattered that,” he said. “We had a good run.”

Halsey said the campaign got off to a good start with almost $8,000 being raised on the first day alone. The AFD hit a snag on Friday, with poor weather and a lack of available volunteers causing them to be short on manpower.

But despite the setback, the AFD was still able to surpass its goal and set a new record on money raised.

“The community did awesome helping us exceed our goal,” Halsey said. “A big thanks to the community and everyone who supported us.”

Halsey estimated the money raised is enough to send at least 10 children with muscular dystrophy to camp.

The AFD held the fundraiser along with other fire departments in Minnesota, Wisconsin and the Dakotas. The department that raises the most money per union member is awarded the Golden Axe, which it proudly displays for a year.

The Golden Axe has not left Austin since 2009.

“I’m confident (the Golden Axe) will be staying with us for another year,” Halsey said.