Steve Webb
LOS ANGELES, CA — On Friday afternoon, the Los Angeles Dodgers stepped away from the pressures of the baseball season to honor some of the city’s true heroes—Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) firefighters. In a heartfelt gesture ahead of Firefighter Appreciation Day, several of the Dodgers’ biggest stars made their way to Fire Station 20, which has a special connection to the team and has long been known as the “Dodgers Fire Station.”
All-Star outfielder Mookie Betts, All-Star catcher Will Smith, and pitchers Walker Buehler and Blake Treinen were part of the group that visited the historic fire station. Located just a mile from Dodger Stadium on Sunset Boulevard, Fire Station 20 has been serving the community for 71 years, and the Dodgers’ visit added a meaningful chapter to that history. The visit wasn’t just ceremonial—the players rolled up their sleeves to get a hands-on experience, learning what it’s like to be a firefighter.
The day kicked off with a tour of the station, where the Dodgers players were given an in-depth look at how the fire station operates on a day-to-day basis. They learned about the challenges firefighters face, from responding to emergencies to maintaining the equipment that keeps them safe. Players suited up in firefighter gear, participated in practice drills, and even took part in a ride-along to see firsthand the kind of situations firefighters confront every day.
It wasn’t just an eye-opening experience for the players, but a way for the team to connect with a critical part of the Los Angeles community. Fire Station 20 has been affectionately tied to the Dodgers due to its proximity to the stadium, and Friday’s visit helped solidify that relationship.
In a special moment following their training, Walker Buehler presented a check for $5,000 to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation on behalf of the Dodgers. The donation is aimed at supporting the foundation’s efforts to provide crucial equipment and fund programs that help firefighters save lives. These programs not only enhance safety but also ensure that LAFD continues to deliver top-tier emergency services to the community.
Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation President Liz Lin expressed her gratitude for the Dodgers’ continued support of the city’s firefighters. “We’re grateful the Dodgers are such a committed community partner, always interested in how they can help,” Lin said. “All 100% of the funds they donated today will go directly to Station 20, a 71-year-old station deserving of this generous donation.”
The donation underscores the Dodgers’ dedication to supporting those who work tirelessly to protect the city. The partnership between the Dodgers and the fire department goes beyond just writing a check—it’s about building relationships and understanding the sacrifices firefighters make daily.
By stepping into the boots of these first responders for a day, Dodgers players like Betts, Smith, Buehler, and Treinen gained a new appreciation for the work firefighters do. Their visit wasn’t just a show of thanks, but a meaningful way to highlight the critical role these heroes play in the safety and well-being of Los Angeles.
As Firefighter Appreciation Day unfolds, the Dodgers’ actions serve as a reminder that even in the heat of the pennant race, the team remains deeply connected to the community it represents. Through visits like these, the Dodgers demonstrate that their commitment to Los Angeles extends far beyond the baseball diamond.
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