Boston police are trying to track down the person who stole a firefighter's boot that was used to collect money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association from a North End fire station.
Boston fire officials said the theft happened between 3 and 6 a.m. Sunday, when firefighters were out on a run.
"I was shocked when I heard about it," firefighter Billy Clark said. "Things happen in today's day and age."
"That's so bad, the times we live in - it's terrible," added Anne Mustacchio, a lifetime North End resident.
The boot had been attached to a metal box secured by a cable to the firehouse on Hanover Street. The thief apparently cut the cable and the box was broken open.
Police said the empty boot was found at Battery Wharf — at the water's edge.
It's unclear exactly how much money was taken.
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After fixing up the box, firefighters have put the boot out again so they can continue to raise funds for the MDA. Firefighters said they plan on bolting the steel box to the ground.
Word of the stolen boot has spread quickly, and the community is giving back in big ways.
"That's the check," Clark said as he showed NBC Boston a check worth $1,000 donated to the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
The fire station also got a $200 cash donation and 10 gift certificates from a Hanover Street restaurant worth $50 to raffle off in support of the MDA.
