Hollywood Professional Firefighters

07/15/2026

MIKE O'DONNELL
It is with a supremely heavy heart we must report that retired Battalion Chief Mike O'Donnell lost his valiant fight with cancer yesterday 7-14-26, and passed away. Mike was with us for 20 years before he developed a job-related cancer that forced him to retire before his time. He spent the next 3.5 years fighting like a lion to beat it, but unfortunately cancer claimed another victim.

Mike was 56 years old. He worked his way up from Firefighter to Battalion Chief of Operations before he retired prematurely. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, good friendship and excellent leadership. When he was on duty, Mike was all business. He was a larger than life character, and brought with him an aura of lightheartedness and kindness to every Firehouse he visited and every Firefighter he spoke with. He was a passionate Union member, as well as a terrific Chief. His love for Guinness was secondary only to the love for his family, and for his chosen profession.

He will be buried with full-honors at a date to be determined. Let's please keep the man, his family, and his service to the community he loved in our prayers.

Mike, we'll collectively raise a pint for ya! You deserve it! Rest easy.

Hollywood Professional Firefighters Association.

07/04/2026

Happy Independence Day America. 250 years! We weren't even suppose to exist, let alone survive! But here we are. It hasn't been easy, it hasn't always been right, but damn if it's still not the best country to live in! Please be safe, use pyrotechnics carefully, and don't drink and drive.

07/01/2026

Sometimes life can feel unfair. Please help us balance it. https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-detective-alex-falcons-family-fight-cancer?attribution_id=sl:fece99fd-1987-4349-aaa1-069e0b28c5c5&lang=en_US&ts=1782670997&utm_campaign=fp_sharesheet&utm_content=amp20_control&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link

06/21/2026

To all the Fathers, Dads, Pops or anyone who has taken on that role out there.... Happy Father's Day! You're the unsung heroes to many of us.

05/10/2026

The Hollywood Professional Firefighters would like to wish you all a Happy, Healthy and safe Mother's Day 2026.

05/08/2026

HOUSE FIRE OUT WEST
In the early morning hours of May 5, members of the Hollywood Professional Firefighters Association from Fire Stations 45, 74, 31, and 5 were called to multiple reports of a house on fire in the 6700 block of Harding Street.

When they arrived shortly after 3am, Fire/Rescue crews saw a house on fire, with conditions quickly deteriorating. Unfortunately, because of the fire load within the home, Fire Crews were unable to enter, and were forced to "go defensive"; which means keeping the fire from spreading to neighboring houses, and protecting the surrounding properties.

Luckily, through coordination with Hollywood PD, the owners of the home were tracked down, and it was learned that the house was unoccupied.

Fire/Rescue Crews were on scene for a few hours before fully extinguishing the stubborn flames, resetting all their equipment, cleaning up, and heading 'home' for the next call.

Because of the quick reaction and exhaustive training of our members, the fire was contained and extinguished with no injuries reported, and no subsequent damage.

A special shout-out to the men & women of the Hollywood Police Department for the assist.

As always, be safe out there folks.

Anthony J Vera

05/05/2026

A STRONG CANDIDATE FOR A STRONG CITY
Months ago, the Hollywood Professional Firefighters Association was proud to endorse Erin Marvasti for Commissioner of District 5. That's the westernmost district of the city. And now, as the political season ramps up, it's time to put words into action. As such, a few of us got together and volunteered Saturday morning to help her campaign put up some signs. that you'll see around the district. We invite you to get to know her and her extensive record of service to the community. We don't endorse just anyone. We believe in candidates who want the city to succeed. A strong city makes for a strong Fire Department. And a strong profession deserves a strong candidate. She's got some big shoes to fill when Commissioner Biederman's term expires, but we have no doubt she's the right one to do it. She's the right candidate for the right district, and definitely the right city!

Anthony J Vera

05/04/2026

The Hollywood Professional Firefighters Association would like to wish you all a Happy International Firefighters Day today Mat 4th, 2026. This isn't only for us, it's also for you, the public, and communities that we serve. We are proud of our chosen profession, and are honored to serve each and every one of you. It may not be glamorous, and we may oft-times suffer health issues due to the hazards associated with the profession....but our reward comes from knowing that we're making a difference in the lives of those who need us most. So Happy International Firefighters Day everyone. Thank you very much for your continued support, and as always, be safe. The Hollywood Professional Firefighters Association is always here for you.

Anthony J Vera

05/01/2026

A FOND FAREWELL
We'd like to bid Firefighters: Alfonso, Newland, Sheppard, Rios, Venezia (not pictured) a fond farewell and gratitude for having served the city of Hollywood and its residents so diligently while being with the Hollywood Professional Firefighters Association.

The majority of these five have left for 'greener pastures', as they've been hired by, and gone on to serve in other Fire Departments. Sadly, there have have been scores of our members who have left in the the past 10-15 years (over 30 by our count) to serve elsewhere. This is unfortunate because it depletes our membership and work force. Most of these guys weren't new. They had been on the job for years before leaving, thereby reducing the valuable experience needed for this profession, and the cohesion that comes with being a Hollywood Firefighter.

When one takes into account that it costs about $50,000 (conservatively) to recruit, hire, test, equip, train and onboard each member, it doesn't take a CPA to realize that the costs add up.

So from the Hollywood Professional Firefighters Association, we say, thanks for your service and dedication while here. You'll be missed. And the other Departments are lucky to have you all.

Anthony J Vera

04/17/2026

Congratulations to our very own Brother Brito for outstanding work!

A rookie firefighter who helped save his captain during a deadly high-rise condo fire in Hollywood iast year has been recognized for his actions.