Brotherhood, what does this mean? How do you define Brotherhood in the Fire Service? Is it having each others backs? Is it taking care of one another? Is it stepping up when someone needs you? Is it just on the Fire ground or is it just in the Station? The Webster's Dictionary defines Brotherhood as feelings of friendship, support, and understanding between people or a group or organization of people who have the same interests, jobs, etc. I think everyone in the Fire Service can give you just about the same response no matter where they live or what department they are from.

This month in our December business meeting the Members of the Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department "passed a hat" for a gift to help out a fellow firefighter and his family. Nolan Scully is the son of Leonardtown VFD Chief Jonathan Scully and the nephew of Hollywood VFD Deputy Chief Chris Scully and Captain Ernest Rogers. Last month Nolan was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma, a rather rare soft tissue cancer. Over the next several Months Nolan will have to undergo numerous rounds of Chemo and Radiation to fight this terrible disease. This will also include numerous overnight visits to several hospitals over the next year.

So this past Friday afternoon, several Officers and Members including the Chief, President, and Ladies Auxiliary President all loaded up in the Chief's Car, Engine 72, and Truck 7 to go deliver gifts to the Scully family. When we arrived, Nolan and his family all met us outside and we presented them with the gifts our Membership provided. Nolan had the opportunity to ride the front seat of his favorite unit, Truck 7, with both of his Uncles. This was a great experience not only for Nolan but for the Officers and Members of HVFD to able to see this young boy blowing the sirens and hitting the horn.

Thanks to all of the Hollywood VFD Members for contributing and putting a smile on this family's face.

We wish Nolan and his family the best and look forward to seeing them all again soon. We asked that everyone please keep this young boy and his family in your thoughts and prayers.

We have attached several fundraiser events that are coming up so please continue to check out www.hvfd7.com and www.lvfd1.org for any and all fundraisers in the near future to support Nolan Scully. Also keep up with the HVFD Facebook page for any and all upcoming events and fundraisers.