LOS ANGELES – On Friday afternoon, the Los Angeles Dodgers took time out of their busy season to pay a special visit to Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) firefighters at Fire Station 20 ahead of today’s Firefighter Appreciation Day.

All Star outfielder Mookie Betts, All Star catcher Will Smith and pitchers Walker Buehler and Blake Treinen arrived at the historic station to thank firefighters for their service and receive hands-on experience to better understand the challenges our local heroes face every day.

The visit began with a tour of the station, located a mile from Dodger Stadium on Sunset Blvd. west of Alvarado Ave. and which for decades has been affectionately known as the “Dodgers Fire Station.” Players were given an inside look at day-to-day operations and had the unique opportunity to suit up, conduct practice drills, and join a ride-along.

Experiences like these engage Dodger players in the inner workings of our community and the lengths many sworn and civilian servicemembers go to keep us safe. Following their instruction, Buehler presented a check for $5,000 to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation on behalf of the Dodgers to continue the organization’s support for the Foundation, which provides vital equipment and funds programs to help the LAFD save lives and protect communities.

"We're grateful the Dodgers are such a committed community partner, always interested in how they can help, " said Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation President Liz Lin. “All 100% of the funds they donated today will go directly to Station 20, a 71-year-old station deserving of this generous donation.”