Thief steals boot with donations for MDA from fire station

A heartless crook stole a firefighters’ boot used to collect money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association from its North End fire station, and dumped the footwear — minus the cash — in the harbor.

Boston Fire spokesman Steve MacDonald said the theft appeared to have happened during a run, while the firefighters were out of the station early Sunday morning, between 3 and 6 a.m.

“The boot in front of the firehouse is a very common symbol seen across the country,” MacDonald said. “They’ll put another one out there. They will not be deterred. It’s a very worthy cause and the people of the North End and the tourists are always very generous.”

MacDonald said the boot itself was found at Battery Wharf.

“It looks like they were trying to throw it into the water,” he said.

MacDonald said it is unclear how much money was in the boot when it was stolen.

Police said they are investigating the theft. Anyone with information is urged to call Boston Police Crimestoppers at 800-494TIPS.