LA Firefighters Receive Pat Tillman Award for January Wildfires

Two Los Angeles firefighters, David Walters of the Los Angeles Fire Department and Erin Regan of the Los Angeles County Fire Department, received the 2025 Pat Tillman Award for Service at ESPN's ESPY Awards for their heroic efforts during the devastating January wildfires. Both have elite athletic backgrounds—Walters is an Olympic gold medalist swimmer, and Regan was a professional soccer player—whose skills in discipline, teamwork, and resilience helped prepare them for firefighting. The award honors individuals with strong ties to sports who demonstrate selfless service and leadership, echoing the legacy of Pat Tillman, the NFL player turned Army Ranger. At the ceremony, actress Angela Bassett presented the award, highlighting their dedication and the critical role firefighters played in protecting the community amid extreme fire conditions. Walters and Regan emphasized that their recognition represents the collective efforts of all firefighters who battled the fires. Their transition from sports to firefighting reflects a shared commitment to serving others and being counted on in moments of crisis.