The Los Angeles Dodgers hosted about 350 firefighters at Dodger Stadium on Monday January 22, 2018, to show their appreciation to the first responders to the recent SoCal wildfires. First responders from various agencies including Los Angeles County, Los Angeles City and Ventura County Fire Departments were in attendance.
The event opened with a moment of silence in memory of Cory Iverson, a CAL FIRE engineer killed in the Thomas Fire on December 14, 2017. Firefighters took part in a luncheon, played on the field throwing pitches and stepping up to bat, and were each awarded a Community Hero medal. Dodgers players Alex Wood, Ross Stripling, Justin Turner, Kenley Jansen, Enrique Hernandez, Joc Pederson and Trayce Thompson all participated in the event.
The event was a kick-off for the 15th annual #DodgersLoveLA Community Tour presented by Bank of America. “It’s just a small way for us to thank you,” senior vice president for Bank of America Garrett Gin said, addressing the firefighters. “All of your work has been in the news recently. But more importantly, it’s what you do every day that don’t make the headlines that makes it possible for all of us to enjoy this life in Southern California.”
Visit mlb.com for more reporting and video from this fun-filled day!