The Los Angeles Dodgers hosted Firefighter Appreciation Day at Dodger Stadium on Sunday, and started the weekend by having Mookie Betts, Walker Buehler, Will Smith and Blake Treinen be part of a surprise visit to Fire Station 20.
The historic firehouse is located on Sunset Blvd., one mile from Dodger Stadium. It affectionately is known as “Dodgers Fire Station.”
Betts, Buehler, Smith and Treinen were treated to a tour of Fire Station 20 for an inside look at their daily duties. The players also got to compete against each other in who could get suited up quickest, and they were treated to a ride-along.
“The first responders of every city are extremely important,” Buehler said. “A lot of us drive by this particular station every day, so to get to go in, ride around and meet some of the guys was really cool for us and for me, with our foundation and what we’re doing.”
The Dodgers also presented a $5,000 donation check to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation.
“We’re grateful the Dodgers are such a committed community partner, always interested in how they can help,” LAFD foundation president Liz 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 Los Angeles Fire Department foundation provides key equipment and funds various programs that that assist firefighters in serving communities.
“It was awesome getting to see behind the scenes. It was my first time being at a fire station. It was really cool. They protect the city, so it’s good for us to recognize them,” Betts said. “I appreciate everything that they do. Wearing those clothes, I didn’t realize how heavy it is.
“They said it’s like 70, 80 pounds sometimes. Kudos to them.”
Dodgers Fire Station 20 history
Fire Station 20, located at 2144 West Sunset Boulevard, is part of the Central Bureau, which encompasses Downtown Los Angeles and surrounding communities.
Deputy Chief Richard Fields is the Central Bureau Commander, and manages the day-to-day operations of 22 fire stations and 645 personnel in Battalions 1, 2, and 11.
The original Fire Station 20 in Los Angeles opened July 7, 1907. The location received a new building on Oct. 15, 1953.
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