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MDA Tribute to Unsung Heroes
John Bruce
 March
22, 2007 - For 14 years, fire fighter and Fort Lauderdale,
FL Local 765 member John Bruce filled the boot for the MDA.
Described by many as “the most giving person,” Bruce was a
key part of his team’s effort to support MDA’s quest for a
cure for neuromuscular disease. But in 2004, Bruce’s life
took a sharp turn when he was diagnosed with amyotrophic
lateral sclerosis (ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s disease), one of
more than 40 neuromuscular diseases. ALS progressively
paralyzes all voluntary muscles, and usually results in
death in three to five years, often from respiratory
failure.
Despite this shock, Bruce remained ready to
serve. He became the face of ALS in the Fort Lauderdale
community, raising awareness of this horrific disease and
money for MDA ALS research.
“He was our unsung hero,” says Kim Van Sant,
a fire fighter and Local 765 MDA coordinator. “He never
wanted to take any of the credit. He just served others.”
When Bruce needed assistance, MDA was there for him. The
local office helped obtain a speech communication device and
power wheelchair, as well as adaptations for his van and
bathroom. He also received top-notch medical care at the
Kessenich Family MDA/ALS Center at the University of Miami.
Eventually, Bruce was unable to walk or
speak. But that didn’t stop him from visiting other
firehouses, educating his colleagues and urging them to keep
“Filling the Boot.” Local 765’s Fill the Boot campaign
typically generated between $8,000 and $15,000, but Bruce
challenged and motivated his colleagues to unite and do
more. In 2006, Local 765 raised more than $101,000 for MDA
during its Fill-the-Boot drive, finishing 14th on the IAFF
list of the top fundraising locals nationwide.
On January 5, 2007, at age 42, Bruce lost
his battle against ALS. Dedicated to the end, he asked that
his friends make contributions to MDA in lieu of sending
flowers. “He wanted to make a difference for MDA. He was
with us last year during Fill-the-Boot, and he’ll be with us
this year in spirit. Even though John’s gone, we’re
motivated to make this year’s collection our biggest,” Van
Sant says. “Everyone says that fire fighters are heroes, but
John proved it. He really made a difference to other
people.”
Taylor McEntire
 Taylor
McEntire, 21, one of Jerry’s Kids, has reached his finial
destination. Though the path was long and difficult, he
faced life with a zest and a purpose few possess.
McEntire was an inspiration to all he met
for his love, determination and attitude towards life. Many
will remember him for his sense of humor, quick wit and his
love for both sports and cars. He was an avid University of
South Carolina Gamecock fan. McEntire was also active in the
IAFF 12th District, speaking at many MDA events and serving
as South Carolina MDA goodwill ambassador. Fire fighters
from North Carolina to Florida called him one of their own.
McEntire was a honorary member of Columbia,
SC Local 793, Columbia/Richland Fire and Rescue Service and
the South Carolina Fireman’s Association.
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