Boot drive

A month ago, Clark County Fire Chief Bertral Washington informed county management that his firefighters would have to be off the clock if they wanted to solicit money for charity.

In an internal memo to county management, Chief Washington wrote that he made the change because department resources are "very limited" and need to be prioritized.

In past years, the department has allowed on-duty firefighters to collect donations on street corners for the Muscular Dystrophy Association's Fill the Boot program. Chief Washington wrote the change is a matter of fairness to other nonprofits interested in partnering with the department.

County Commissioner Steve Sisolak, who had criticized firefighters for participating in past years' fundraising drives while on duty, said at the time, "I commend the chief for realizing there was an issue related to participating in other charities. I encourage people to be involved in charities on their own time. It makes our community better when you have a volunteer spirit."

Thursday, Ryan Beaman, president of I.A.F.F. Local 1908, announced that, despite county firefighters scheduling participation in the boot drive in their off hours, they have now "surpassed past participation" levels and filled every available time slot for this year's drive.

"Your Clark County Firefighters have managed to continue their commitment entirely through voluntary sign-ups," Mr. Beaman announced. "The boot drive will take place this Friday and Saturday at multiple locations throughout the Valley."

That's excellent news, both for the MDA and for the community. The boot drive is for an outstanding cause, but there's no reason taxpayers can't expect firefighters to be engaged in job-related activities during their working hours. Now the Las Vegas Fire Department is considering following Clark County's lead. Good.

Chief Washington figured the firefighters could volunteer their time for their charity work, the same way the taxpayers who fund their salaries do. The firefighters have stepped up and proved him right.