Firefighters in an Illinois station will hit the streets this week with yellow and black boots in hand to raise funds for a good cause.

Members of the Waukegan Firefighters Union 473 are raising money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, the Chicago Tribune reported. Their "Fill the Boot" drive is an annual event where the firefighters walk around town trying to fill their iconic boots with donations from the public. 

The Muscular Dystrophy Association is a national nonprofit that aids individuals and families affected by neuromuscular diseases like muscular dystrophy and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, more commonly known as ALS. According to the organization's website, it is the leading nonprofit health agency dedicated to finding treatments and cures for neuromuscular diseases. 

"[MDA has] so many outreach programs that they help with and things like the loan closet or helping contact specialists or giving treatment at one of their Chicago clinics," Jeanette Nieves-Rodriguez told the Tribune. "And it's not just for the patient. It's also for the family members. It's critical."

Nieves-Rodriguez's son Ryan was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy at the age of 5 and has since been aided by the MDA. 

According to the Tribune, this year the Waukegan firefighters hope to raise between $6,000 and $7,000 for the organization. They have raised over $100,000 since first becoming involved with the fundraiser in 2002. 

The International Association of Fire Fighters has partnered with the MDA for over 60 years. During this time the IAFF has raised more than $550 million toward finding treatments and cures for neuromuscular diseases, the MDA reported. 

Actor Dwayne Johnson's Hollywood role as a first responder in his summer film may be fictional, but he is using the opportunity to partner with the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency and Ready.gov to help citizens prepare for earthquakes.

According to the Department of Homeland Security, the Rock is featured in a new video by FEMA that encourages people to "Drop, Cover and Hold On!" in the occurrence of an earthquake. The 30-second clip features scenes from "San Andreas," Johnson's new summer thriller about a magnitude 9 earthquake that occurs along the San Andreas fault in California. 

Women in the armed forces have more options than ever before when it comes to the ways that they can serve their country. After an intense application and selection process, a select group of women in the Navy will be the first to expand these opportunities even further.  

On June 22, officials released the "FY16 Enlisted Women in Submarines Selections," naming the first group of female sailors who will serve in the U.S. submarine force. The list includes four chief petty officers and 34 others in lower pay grades, the Navy reported. They will serve in the two crews of the U.S.S. Michigan. 

According to the Navy, the selection process was competitive. The branch received applications from almost every community throughout the Navy, representing 31 different ratings. Each application was reviewed and scored using an objective system.

Navy Times reported that the application window opened in January and the selection process began in April. 

"We could not be more pleased with the amount of interest shown by enlisted women in wanting the opportunity to serve in the undersea warfare domain," said Rear Adm. Charles Richard, the Enlisted Women in Submarines Task Force commander. "It's an exciting time in the submarine force, as we continue to move forward in shaping the future of our force, drawing from the best pool of talent possible." 

The 38 selected women will undergo standard submarine medical screening before they begin training, the Navy reported. According to Navy Times, 69 female sailors were listed as alternates in case any of the selected women are unable to report for duty. 

First responders put their lives on the line for the community on a daily basis. Whether they are resuscitating someone or putting out a burning building, it is important that they have all of the tools and resources at their fingertips to ensure that the job gets done safely. Although proper training is key to reacting to emergency situations, there are also smartphone applications that can be used to supplement first responders' skills and experience. 

Next time servicemembers find themselves responding to an emergency, they should consider bringing along one of these five phone apps to enhance their ability to react quickly and efficiently.

1. FireStop
Before firefighters respond to a burning building, they have to know about its layout, including emergency exits and where any hazardous materials may be. According to Popular Mechanics magazine, the FireStop app allows first responders to upload any maps or critical information regarding the area's major buildings, such as schools, hospitals and worship centers, onto the app so they have all of the essential data just a finger tap away when they need it most.

"Lets say they have lists of where all the hazardous materials in the hospital are – the oxygen and other tanks and other things like that that they need to be aware of. Now they have it all at their fingertips," T.J. Kennedy, acting general manager of the First Responder Network Authority, told Popular Mechanics. 

2. iCrimeFighter
The LE version of the iCrimeFighter app is only available to law enforcement officers. This forensic file app allows officers to store recorded interviews, videos, pictures and notes on their smartphones. It even enables users to organize the data by case number before uploading it to their police department servers. 

The app's website noted that there is a generic version also available to the public, which allows them to record accident scenes. This provides a clearer, more accurate and detailed report for the police. 

3. Sensimob
Sometimes it can be difficult for field commanders to keep track of servicemembers, especially when radios are out of range. However, knowing exactly where responders are is vital to providing them with the help they require when they need it most. Sensimob serves as a GPS system that tracks the location of police, fire and EMT personnel during emergency situations.

The app prompts servicemembers to check in on their phones and enables them to send alerts and messages to field commanders if they need backup or unexpectedly run into a problem. Commanders can also send responders messages, keeping in constant communication if necessary, even in places where traditional radio systems do not work.

4. FireRescue1
Whether they are on the move or on-duty at the fire station, firefighters need to stay well informed of what is going on in the area. FireRescue1 provides servicemembers easy access to their region's breaking fire news, which is sorted into categories, including popular news and most recent stories. There is also a section of the app dedicated to helpful tips for firefighters. According to iTunes, users also get access to free mobile resources that have never been available to firefighters before. 

5. HazRef 2008
After proper training and education, the HazRef 2008 mobile app ensures that first responders have all the important information they need in an emergency situation when dealing with hazardous materials. The app offers a database of over 3,000 dangerous chemicals and substances that servicemembers may come into contact with while on duty. Users can view 61 emergency response guides, informing servicemembers how to handle the hazardous material if they or a civilian has come into contact with it. Another major plus is that the app works without a network connection. 

Diane Duke once worked at a cafeteria in Regina, Canada. The 68-year-old cook made meals for more than just her customers, but prepared delicious treats for the city's firefighters for over 13 years. After so many free dishes from their devoted friend, the firefighters from Regina Fire Station in Saskatchewan have presented Duke with the surprise of a lifetime. 

An opportunity to show appreciation
One of the department's firefighters, Chris Prohar, also works for a roofing company in the area. According to Today News, one day while Prohar was repairing a roof across the street from Duke, her son, Chris Duke, walked over to get an estimate on a new roof for his parents' home. 

Duke had to quit her job and stop her weekly visits to the fire department after her husband was diagnosed with post-polio syndrome. However, her last visit wasn't the final time she would see the Regina firefighters. 

After discovering who Chris Duke's mother was, Prohar jumped on the opportunity to give back to the generous woman who had presented him and his fellow servicemembers with a hot meal every Friday for so many years. He gathered 19 members of the fire department to build Duke a roof for free. With the help of donations from local building companies Dynamic Roofing and Kenroc, the group was able to provide a high-quality roof for Duke and her husband. 

"She's an incredible lady," Prohar told Today News. "She's been looking after us for so long now, we consider her family and it's our pleasure to take care of her."

A final meal
KSDK.com noted that Duke gave the firefighters more than just food during her career at the cafeteria, but served as a mother figure for many of them. She would often stay and talk with the servicemembers and give them hugs, which many would wait around after their shifts for. 

"I was shocked, but so happy," Diane explained to Today News. "I brought them food out of the goodness of my heart and never expected anything in return."

After spending three hours building the roof for Duke, she gave them one last treat and provided them with a meal. The group reminisced on memories they had with Duke. Her son told Today News that she has a much greater impact on the men's lives than he had anticipated. Even other firefighters from the area stopped by to meet Duke and show their support.

Duke told the news source that she will continue serving others, no matter who they are, and that she is grateful for the generous surprise.  

In most situations, the gear that firefighters wear is able to protect them from the heat and flames they face in an emergency situation. However, a major shortcoming is caused when temperatures increase rapidly, potentially causing damage to equipment before the firefighter even notices the shift.

Thanks in part to a Small Business Innovative Research award, technology is now being developed to address that potential hazard in order to better protect the men and women who brave fire and flames in the line of duty.

The Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate's First Responders Group is working with TDA Research, Inc. and FoxFury, LLC to design a device that would detect rapid temperature increases, warning firefighters before it begins to affect their other equipment, Homeland Security reported. The goal is for the technology, known as Burn Saver, to be small and lightweight, and have the ability to be mounted on a firefighter's helmet.

Homeland Security hopes that the successful design and implementation of this technology will reduce the number of thermal deaths and injuries.

According to a blog post by the First Responders Group, the prototypes of the device are already fast-acting, notifying users of the temperature change in less than 10 seconds. Having the ability to monitor threats in real-time will allow firefighters to assess and respond to the situation appropriately, improving the safety of the responders and civilians on the scene. 

The blog reported that field tests for the Burn Saver are planned for summer 2016. Before commercialization, the final design will be reviewed by the National Fire Protection Association for certification. 

Michael O'Connell retired after serving as a firefighter with the Official Fire Department of New York City during the 9/11 attacks. According to NBC New York, he was forced to end his career after he became ill from inhaling the toxic dust from the collapsing World Trade Center. He lost several of his friends while attempting to put out the flames and rescue as many people as they could.

While serving that day, he wore the same helmet he had used for the entirety of his career as a firefighter. He experienced a lot while wearing it and has always considered it a valuable belonging that represented the good and bad times throughout his career.

A helmet that tells a story
He told Pix11 that his helmet was the last tangible memory he had of his friends and hoped to pass it along to his children as a piece of history. However, two years ago, his Long Island home was robbed. Among the stolen items was his helmet. The thieves also took a lot of his other firefighter memorabilia, including his 9/11 medals. However, while he misses those belongings, his main interest is getting his helmet back.

O'Connell has not given up on finding his helmet and recently got the Internet involved in his search. He posted a picture of his son wearing the helmet on Facebook, asking viewers to help him locate it. NBC New York noted that since the photo was posted online, it has been shared over 100,000 times by Facebook users looking to help O'Connell take back what is rightfully his. 

"This is something that means a lot to me. As most firemen know, a helmet is sacred, it tells their story," O'Connell told the news source. "The helmet means everything. Every job I was ever at, every collapse, every fire, 9/11. The helmet tells my story and it's something I've treasured my whole life."

Search expands across the globe
He told NBC New York that it is important to him that his children and grandchildren have the helmet as a way of understanding the historic day and how he was a part of it. 

"This way they could actually look up at the wall one day and say maybe to their children, 'That was my father. That was your grandfather. He was there that day and he was part of a brotherhood,'" he explained to the news source.

O'Connell and his family have been busy scouring the Internet for any hopes that someone turned it in. It is a unique red, white and black helmet with the numbers 142 and 4073 stitched onto the front. MyFox New York mentioned that all O'Connell asks is that whoever stole it leaves it on his doorstep.

"I know it's a long shot but if enough people share maybe it turns up or is sent back so I can keep it in my family! Thanks!" O'Connell recently stated on Facebook, according to Pix11. 

Helmets may soon be able to protect soldiers more effectively than ever thanks to technology currently used to keep football players safe. 

The U.S. Army awarded the University of Southern Mississippi a $4.9 million research contract for the development and testing of a helmet that will better protect U.S. soldiers, the school reported. The university's School of Polymers and High Performance Materials has previously worked on cushioning used in football helmets. 

According to The Associated Press, the liner will be a cutting-edge pneumatic cushioning system that provides better protection for soldiers against blunt force impact.    

"Southern Miss researchers have an opportunity to accelerate technology that can better protect our men and women in the military from head injuries and brain trauma," said U.S. Sen. Thad Cochran of Mississippi in the Southern Miss news release. "Advances in this area have the potential to be life changing for American servicemembers …" 

The current Southern Miss Pneumatic Cushioning technology used in football helmets was made through a partnership with Rawlings Sporting Goods, the university reported. The grant from the military will allow the institute to do further work to develop next-generation pneumatic cushioning that would take the lining to new levels.

According to Southern Miss, preliminary tests in unoptimized prototypes already showed a 30 percent improvement over current Army padding in ambient conditions (70 degrees Fahrenheit), and a 60 percent increase in hot temperatures (130 degrees Fahrenheit). The cushioning technology will continue to be tested over a broad temperature range to reflect the diverse environmental conditions experienced during combat. 

Search and rescue technology designed in the U.S. was successfully used to rescue four men trapped by the April 25 earthquake in Nepal.

According to the Department of Homeland Security, Finding Individuals for Disaster and Emergency Response, or FINDER, was able to locate the men by detecting their heartbeats under up to 10 feet of debris. 

FINDER was created in a joint effort between the Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology Directorate and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. While it is now being licensed for use in search and rescue, National Geographic magazine reported that the technology was originally developed for sensing other planets. 

FINDER is so precise that it is able to distinguish between human, mechanical and animal movement, Homeland Security reported. Picking up on human motions like breathing and heartbeats can allow emergency responders to find even unconscious victims who are unable to call for help. 

According to National Geographic, this was the first time that FINDER technology was used in a real disaster situation. 

"The true test of any technology is how well it works in a real-life operational setting," said Reginald Brothers, undersecretary for DHS Science and Technology. "Of course, no one wants disasters to occur, but tools like this are designed to help when our worst nightmares do happen. I am proud that we were able to provide the tools to help rescue these four men."

The success of the mission could lead to use of the technology in similar situations, allowing emergency responders to save people who would otherwise be impossible to locate. 

Fairfax County, Virginia, will host this year's World Police and Fire Games. The Games have been a tradition since 1985, welcoming law enforcement officers and firefighters from around the world to compete in a wide range of exciting sports competitions. 

The Armed Force Benefits Association is a proud sponsor of this year's Games, which has attracted over 12,000 international athletes and 30,000 spectators over the years, according to the WPFG website. The 2015 Games, to be held from June 26-July 5, are expected to be one of the most successful Games so far. 

The history
The World Police & Fire Games Federation, a nonprofit organization run by the California Police Athletic Federation, started the first-ever World Police & Fire Games in 1985. Since the first event took place in San Jose, California, the Games have taken place every two years in various locations across the globe, including Sweden, Spain, Ireland and Australia. The Fairfax Games will be the first to be held in a suburban area.

With over 60 sporting events to participate in, servicemembers, including corrections officers, firefighters, policemen and customs officers, have the opportunity to register for the events of their choice.

Who can participate?
All men and women who choose to participate must be at least 18 years of age and be employed as a law enforcement officer at the time of registration. They must have officer training, be a member of an eligible agency and have been appointed as an official servicemember by their agency. However, law enforcement officers or firefighters from an eligible agency who have formally retired are also encouraged to participate.

There will be 53 venues in Fairfax for the sports events, which include traditional races and competitions that often take place in the Olympics, such as track and field, hockey and boxing. However, the Games also feature special competitions like paintballing, rifle and ammunition tournaments, baseball and pocket billiards. Most events are separated by age group and all contact sports have different events for men and women. Over 1,600 medals are awarded throughout the 10-day event.

An opportunity to show appreciation
The Games would not be possible without the support and money raised by local, regional and national sponsors. President and CEO of WPFG Bill Knight told The Washington Times that he also hopes to have around 4,000 volunteers help the event run smoothly. It is a great way for Fairfax residents as well as friends and family of servicemembers to give back and show appreciation. 

"Volunteers are the spirit of the games," Knight explained to The Washington Times. "For any games of this matter, they are the No. 1 resource. We rely on them even more heavily because these games operate under a much more modest budget than other games of this size. We've got a lot of diversity in this area. At the end of the day, we need to welcome the world. This is our opportunity to do that."

Those interested in volunteering can sign up on the WPFG website. Most volunteer positions require four shifts over the 10 days the games will be held. There are a variety of positions available, such as public relations and marketing operations, language services, on-site customer service and registration assistance. 

After taking place in Fairfax this year, the WPFG has a set location of Montreal, Canada, in 2017 and Chengdu, China, in 2019. Opening ceremonies for the games will be at the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium on June 26.