Viral Pillow-Fighting 'Elf' Firefighter Is From MetroWest

If you've logged onto Facebook lately, you've probably seen the viral video pop onto your feed showing a guy dressed as Buddy the Elf, challenging people in Boston to a pillow fight. That guy is Brendan Edwards, who lives in Milford and works in Natick.

Edwards grew up in Winthrop, actually, but he moved to Milford two years ago and is prepping to buy his first home in the town.

Edwards, a firefighter with the Natick Fire Department, is a lover of comedy and spreading holiday joy. The idea of dressing as Buddy the Elf came to him and his brother while they were brainstorming Christmas-themed videos.

"I remembered I just happened to have the Elf costume laying around," he said, and it became the centerpiece for a fun video. What started as something to share with family and friends on Facebook became an overnight internet sensation. "The day after I posted the video it had 1 million views. It's been growing by 10 million views each day since," Edwards said.

The viral nature of the video really hit Edwards when he walked into work the next day. "I walked into the kitchen in the firehouse and looked up at the TV and there I was," he said.

The first pillow-fighting video was posted on Tuesday and Edwards hasn't stopped. A sequel was posted Monday with a surprise guest, Jovie. Edwards hit the streets of Boston again and he brought along girlfriend Hayley O'Loughlin. "As soon as we walked onto the street people were greeting us asking for photos," Edwards said. He was even stopped by a fellow firefighter from Pennsylvania who was a fan of the video.

This new video has the option to donate to the Make-a-Wish Foundation. Edwards said he is big fan of the foundation and hopes viewers will donate in the spirit of the holidays. In the post, Edwards also mentions being a big John Cena fan, who currently holds the record for most wishes granted. Edwards is still waiting to see if he'll grab that record from Cena.

More videos are in the works for this holly jolly firefighter as he plans a trip to New York City where he might take to the streets as Buddy. "We might sneak in some surprises with some locations from the movie," Edwards hinted. The growing online following will just have to wait and see.

Photo Credit: Ryan Sullivan