Disneyland Honors Firefighters, First Responders for Heroic Efforts During LA Fires
ANAHEIM – Disneyland Park rolled out the red carpet Monday, May 5, for a special cavalcade honoring the brave firefighters and law enforcement personnel who battled the devastating Los Angeles fires in January. The celebration recognized the heroic efforts of eight individuals, including Disneyland Fire Department firefighters Mark McLean and Larry Chu, alongside six other local heroes.
The “Heroes Salute Cavalcade” featured Chien Yu of the Pasadena Fire Department, Collin Davis of the Sierra Madre Fire Department, and brothers Adam and Ian VanGerpen of the Los Angeles Fire Department.
The event also marked the first day that eligible California firefighters, LA-based law enforcement, and EMTs who responded to the fires could use their complimentary “Heroes Tickets” to visit the park with a guest.
Local Heroes, Disneyland Family
For Disneyland Resort cast members McLean and Chu, the honor was particularly meaningful. Both serve their local communities as firefighters in addition to their roles at the resort. Chu also serves with the Sierra Madre Fire Department.
“It’s humbling and feels cool to be honored,” Chu said, reflecting on his efforts during the Eaton Fire. “We are not used to the limelight, and it’s not what we strive to do in this profession, but it feels good.” Chu’s path to firefighting was inspired by a house fire in 2007 where he witnessed firsthand the care and support firefighters provided his family.
McLean, a 21-year veteran of the Los Angeles Fire Department and 15-year member of the Disneyland Fire Department, echoed Chu’s sentiment. “We don’t think of ourselves as heroes; being a firefighter is just a career or profession that we enjoy doing,” he said. “It is humbling that you chose us out of all of the men and women in the fire service.” McLean followed in the footsteps of his father and uncle as a Disneyland firefighter.
Family Support in the Spotlight
The heroes were joined by their families during the cavalcade, recognizing the crucial support they provided during the demanding weeks of the LA fires. McLean’s father, David, a fellow Disneyland Resort cast member with over 15 years of experience after a long career in firefighting, proudly participated in the celebration. “I’m proud of him,” David said of his son. “He is a good, hard worker, and he sure loves working at Disneyland. You can’t beat working here with my son!”
Disney’s Broader Support for Fire Relief
The Heroes Ticket initiative is part of a larger commitment from The Walt Disney Company to support the Los Angeles community in the aftermath of the fires. In January, Disney pledged $15 million for immediate response and rebuilding efforts. Additionally, Disney VoluntEARS organized donation drives, collecting over 200,000 essential items for those affected.
A “Disney LA Strong” t-shirt is also available for purchase, with $25 from each sale through December 31, 2025, being donated to the American Red Cross to aid ongoing relief efforts in California.
Disneyland Honors Firefighters, First Responders for Heroic Efforts During LA Fires
