Fort Lauderdale Firefighter Led Battle Against Disease To The End
January 10, 2007


Florida - During 14 years as a Fort Lauderdale firefighter, John W. Bruce always collected donations for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, a charity supported by firefighters nationwide. He never thought he would call on the organization for help.
But three years ago, Bruce was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease, a degenerative muscular condition. What started as a numbness in his hand eventually left him unable to walk or speak.

Still, Bruce continued to raise money for the MDA, inspiring firefighters around Florida to do the same.

Bruce died of the disease Friday. He was 42.

"John touched so many lives, fighting fires and fighting the disease," said Assistant Chief Stephen McInerny. "He was an amazing man."

Bruce had two great loves in life: his wife, Michelle, and the Fort Lauderdale Fire Department.

The son of a Fort Lauderdale police officer who was killed in the line of duty, he began fighting fires in January 1992.

"John wasn't afraid of anything," said Battalion Chief Bob Simac, who worked with Bruce for more than a decade. "He was always the first to respond to any emergency."

Bruce's colleagues still talk about a blaze that ripped through a home in February 2000. That morning, Bruce and Lt. Josef Majer rescued an 82-year-old disabled man from the kitchen. They escaped moments before the concrete roof collapsed.

Off duty, Bruce enjoyed preparing pulled pork and barbecue chicken sandwiches at department events, friends said. And each Labor Day, he helped the department collect for the Muscular Dystrophy Association -- a tradition among firefighters nationwide.

"He was our unsung hero," said Kim Van Sant, a firefighter and close friend. "He never wanted to take any of the credit. He just served others."

Three years ago, Bruce was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, the condition known as Lou Gehrig's disease. The disorder is in the same family as muscular dystrophy.

He began to rely on the MDA, which provided him with clinical care, therapy and support, friends said.

As his body withered, Bruce visited firehouses across the country to raise awareness about the disease. He urged firefighters nationwide to participate in the Labor Day drive.

Last summer, he set a lofty goal for his own department: He wanted Fort Lauderdale to raise more money for the MDA than any other department in country.

In years past, the department had raised between $10,000 and $20,000. This summer, Fort Lauderdale firefighters raised about $102,000, Van Sant said.

It was enough to win them the top honor.

After almost two years on disability leave, Bruce retired on Nov. 8, 2006. By then, the disease had rendered him unable to walk or speak.

During his final months, firefighters went to Bruce's Oakland Park home for regular visits. The firefighters kept him company and told him what was going on in the department.

Most of the time, Bruce already knew. He kept a fire department radio at his house so he could listen to calls.

"People thought we visited John to make him feel better," Simac said. "But truth is, we visited John to benefit ourselves, too. We were lucky to know him."

The funeral is scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday at the Amaturo Theatre at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Fort Lauderdale.

Written by The Miami Herald
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Andrew C. Olson
RINDGE, N.H. — Andrew C. Olson, 45, of Butternut Lane, Rindge, N.H., died January 2, 2007, after a long and courageous battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease).

He was born on May 18, 1961, in Winchendon Mass., a son of Michael and Elaine (Seppala) Olson. He attended Conant High School and lived in Rindge all of his life.

A self-employed construction worker, he operated heavy equipment.

Members of his family include his wife of 27 years, Sandra (Holombo) Olson; two sons, Bryce and Chaz Olson of Rindge; three daughters, Rochelle and Joel Blanton of South Carolina, Heidi and Josiah Blanton of Washington, and Cheyanne Olson of Rindge; three brothers; seven sisters; a grandson, Liam Blanton; and his mother, Elaine Olson.

Services were held January 7, 2007, in New Hampshire.
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EDWARD ELSENER

Edward J. Elsener, 79, died Jan. 8. He was a sheet metal worker.

He was a Marine Corps veteran.

Survived by wife Joan Elsener; children Marilyn Stemann, Marsha Martini, Mark Elsener, Mary Kay Sunderhaus; grandchildren Curt, Sandy, Michelle, Scott, Thea, Seth, Ben, Abby, Alex; Charles Elsener, Bert Schamer; siblings seven great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by brother Gus Elsener.

Services are 10:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 12, at St. Teresa of Avila. Arrangements by B.J. Meyer Sons Funeral Home. Memorials to: St. Vincent de Paul Pantry, 1125 Bank St., Cincinnati, OH 45214 or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Western Ohio Chapter, 1810 MacKenzie Drive, Suite 120, Columbus, OH 43220.