Fundraiser Held For Ex-Levittown Fire Captain With 9/11 Illness

LEVITTOWN, NY — About 1,000 people reportedly attended a fundraiser over the weekend for an NYPD sergeant and former Levittown Fire Department captain who was diagnosed with cancer stemming from the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

Scott "Brutis" Johnston, a 50-year-old father of seven girls, has been battling metastatic melanoma for about two years, Newsday reported. Recently, he suffered some setbacks and couldn't attend a fundraiser Sunday at Mr. Beery's bar in Bethpage due to illness. The five-hour event featured a raffle, barbecue food and drink specials, according to a flyer.

An online GoFundMe account created to help support Johnston has raised more than $10,000 for the longtime firefighter, who volunteered for over 30 years.

"His wife Kristin has taken a leave from work to stay home and be with Scott and the family," the GoFundMe account said. "This will be a tremendous help to them so she can focus on what is important now, family, and not worry about the loss of another paycheck."

Johnston joined the NYPD in 1996, working in Brooklyn and later in Queens, Newsday reported. Co-workers described him as man of character who had a great sense of humor and whom people could look up to.

"He is a family guy, just a good person and a great boss," NYPD Sgt. Dennis Minogue told the newspaper. "You could always rely on him. He's someone you would go out of your way to do something for because he’s such a good guy."

Wayne Mims, who donated to the online fundraiser, called Johnston an "officer and a gentleman."

"You made being a Sgt look easy.. " Mims wrote. "Thanks for being a terrific role model for me. Stay strong buddy."

Click here to donate.

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