"I just want to say thank you" Shohei Ohtani speaks to firefighters in English, Dodgers release video, firefighters are deeply moved
On the 30th (31st Japan time), Dodgers player Shohei Ohtani, along with teammates pitchers Sheehan and Casparius, visited a fire station engaged in relief efforts following the multiple wildfires that broke out in the suburbs of Los Angeles, and expressed his gratitude to the personnel there.
Wearing a uniform with the number "17" on his back, Ohtani visited the Pacific Palisades Fire Station, which suffered heavy damage. He expressed his gratitude to the firefighters who worked hard to extinguish the fires and rescue the victims, and took photos and signed autographs. He also sat in the rear driver's seat of a ladder truck, steering it himself and providing support while driving.
The team's official website also released a photo of Ohtani saying, "I just want to thank everyone for their dedicated efforts. I'm grateful."
Tommy Kitahata, a third-generation Japanese-American who spoke with Ohtani, commented, "It's great. He was really cool. (Ohtani) expressed his gratitude for our work. The players also serve the local community and cheer them up. We play the same role. It means a lot to us to receive encouragement from the Dodgers players, who are also our heroes."
On the 16th of this month, Ohtani donated $500,000 (approximately 78 million yen) to help with wildfire relief efforts.