A dedicated military member and firefighter from Long Island recently experienced a heartwarming surprise—he received a new pickup truck, something he had long desired, from the New York Islanders.
“I’m on top of the world right now,” Joseph O’Brien, a 36-year-old die-hard Islanders fan and father of four, expressed after receiving a blue Ford F150 STX with custom seats showcasing the team’s logo, thanks to hockey legend Butch Goring.
“When Butch handed me those keys, I thought, ‘No way,'” he recalled, clearly astonished.
It was a fitting gesture, as O’Brien is not just a committed firefighter since joining the FDNY in 2022 but also manages his own business, Vice Donut & Coffee Shop, in Farmingdale. Between serving in the Army Reserve and working at Ladder 31 in the Bronx, he juggles multiple responsibilities.
“It’s perfect timing to get a new truck. It’s crazy,” noted his father, who played goalie for the Fire Department’s hockey team.
O’Brien started his donut business as a food truck before expanding to a storefront in 2023.
He also served over a decade ago in the Army Reserve, tasked with guarding significant targets at Guantanamo Bay. “I saw many detainees linked to 9/11, and that was one of the most intense experiences I ever had,” he recounted, emphasizing his pride as a New Yorker experiencing such weighty events.
Understated Heroism
Despite his service, O’Brien prefers to keep a low profile. “I really don’t like wearing uniforms in public because it draws attention,” he admitted.
His wife, Gina, who contributes baked goods to the donut shop, wanted him to be recognized for his hard work, so she wrote to the Islanders detailing his deserving qualities.
Initially, Goring approached O’Brien under the guise of promoting small businesses and offering tours.
“I just appreciated that they were here to shine a spotlight on their business,” emphasized O’Brien, who has been raising funds for the family of fallen NYPD Officer Jonathan Diller.
During their meeting, O’Brien relayed his passion for hockey and how he was assigned to Ladder 31—the same number worn by his favorite goalie, Billy Smith. Firefighters even attempted to invite Goring to upcoming Ladder 31 games, showcasing their camaraderie.
Unexpectedly, staff from the Islanders arrived on a large four-wheeler from Hempstead Ford, along with the team’s mascot, Sparky the Dragon.
Goring later remarked, “He had no idea what was going on. He had no idea.” The atmosphere was filled with excitement as he revealed the surprise truck.
The joy and astonishment on O’Brien’s face reflected the heartwarming essence of the moment as friends and family celebrated together.
With ongoing tensions globally, O’Brien mentioned the uncertainty it brings, stating, “If things escalate in Iran, you could call me tomorrow and say, ‘Hey, we’re sending you in,’ and that would be devastating.” However, he cherished the gathering of his fellow firefighters, family, and daughters, remarking how meaningful it was to have everyone together.
