For the past few years, Joshua Brennan, age 14, has served the emergency service community by volunteering at the Pawling Fire Department in Dutchess County. Now, this honorary fireman needs your help to get a new heart.

Joe Petrucelli of Tri-County Sporting Goods in Patterson is raising money for Joshua’s heart transplant. He was diagnosed with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome before he was even born. He’s faced a series of operations, including ten major surgeries in his short lifetime. But now Joshua needs a heart transplant after facing heart failure last year. Right now, he has a pacemaker and two valves keeping him alive, but he eventually will need transplant.

“He’s not in crises at the present time, but he will need it,” his father Tom Brennan said.

Joshua Brennan’s love for the Pawling Fire Department and his call to volunteerism comes from his father, Tom, who is a volunteer firefighter for the Pawling company. While too young to fight fires, Joshua, is a critical member of the department. He washes trucks, keeps the firehouse spotless, and can handle the heat in the kitchen. He also helps at special events the Pawling department holds throughout the year. Fellow firefighters and the community have noticed Joshua’s selflessness and dedication, and awarded him as an Honorary Firefighter by Chief Everett White this March.

With costs for the surgery in the thousands, any money for the Brennan family would be invaluable. Petrucelli, who has held fundraisers for children in need in the past, is asking all of New York’s Bravest to purchase an Heirloom Gun by Henry Rifles. All the proceeds will be going directly into a fund for Joshua and his family.

If your department or any members would like to purchase a Henry Rifle, contact Joe at Tri-County Sporting Goods at 845-878-6074 or visit 2656 Rt. 22, Patterson, NY.