Firefighters, police officers and other first responders who battled the deadly wildfires in LA County in January were celebrated at Disneyland on Monday as a thank you for their service.
Several first responders and their families participated in the Heroes Salute Cavalcade down Main Street, U.S.A., in Disneyland. Disney characters, such as Miguel from Pixar’s Coco, Peter Pan, Genie, Princess Jasmine, and Merida, were also part of the cavalcade.
Among them was Joshua Fillinger, an LAPD police officer assigned to the North Hollywood division who helped evacuate residents during the Palisades Fire. Fillinger, who has been going to the resort with his family since he was a boy, told KTLA he was “speechless” while participating in the cavalcade.
“I can’t even tell you how much it meant to me and my family to get that email,” Fillinger said. “Disney just put in all this effort to take care of my partner and me, and it makes me want to work harder and dedicate myself more to doing what’s right for people and trying to make a difference.”
Brothers Adam and Ian VanGerpen, who work for the LAFD, also participated in the cavalcade. Adam, a captain and public information officer with the LAFD, spent 28 days sharing information about the fires with the public. His brother, Ian, was stationed on the front lines for 14 days.
Both men were thankful to Disney, other organizations and businesses that have stepped up during the unprecedented event.
“The outpouring of love and support that we received was unprecedented. I’ve never seen anything like it. The food and donations, and just how much people cared about us and what we’re doing, it’s pretty amazing and impressive,” Ian said.
Disneyland firefighters team members also joined the celebration to pay tribute to their fellow firefighters.
Mark McClain, a 15-year veteran of the Disneyland Fire Department, and Larry Chu, a third-year veteran, both helped battle the deadly wildfires in L.A. County. McClain is also assigned to LAFD, while Chu works with the Sierra Madre Fire Department.
“It’s pretty cool that Disney is able to recognize not just those of us here, but all the firefighters, police officers, EMTs, and so forth, who responded to those events,” Chu said. “It’s a super cool gesture to feel honored to be here. It’s also very humbling and a little bit awkward during the cavalcade because we’re not into all the recognition and parades and stuff.”
While the Heroes Salute Cavalcade was a one-day event, Disneyland will continue to honor first responders with its Heroes Ticket.
The complimentary one-day Park Hopper ticket is valid Monday through Thursday until Aug. 7, 2025.
The deal is open to California firefighters, L.A.-based law enforcement, and emergency medical technicians who helped combat the deadly wildfires across L.A. County in January.
According to the resort, the ticket will also be available to eligible individuals from other departments that provide mutual aid assistance.
Qualifying fire, police, and sheriff departments were contacted about the ticket offer in April.
