Firefighters said they saw a man masquerading as one of them to collect cash from motorists along Meridian Street Sunday, June 19.
The reported sightings came just days after the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 106’s Fill the Boot campaign on Thursday and Friday, June 16 and 17. During the annual, nationwide fundraiser, firefighters volunteered their own time on busy street corners, empty boots in-hand, to ask stopped motorists for cash. Proceeds go to local chapters of the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
Bellingham Assistant Fire Chief Bill Hewett said he saw the man on a drive home around 3 p.m. Sunday near the intersection of Meridian Street and Telegraph Road. The man, Hewett said, was carrying a boot and wearing a navy blue T-shirt. The word “fire” seemed to be hand-painted on the front of the shirt, Hewett said, and “BFD” on the back.
Hewett, who is not affiliated with the union, said he saw the man collect money from at least one passing motorist.