Tuesday, March 4, 2025

Firefighters Honored At Academy Awards For Wildfire Response

Pasadena Fire Department among those recognized during ceremony hosted by Conan O’Brien

Los Angeles area firefighters received a standing ovation at the 97th Academy Awards on Sunday, honored for their heroic actions during the Southern California wildfires in January. The recognition came during a ceremony that paused twice to acknowledge the destruction caused by the Eaton Fire and the Palisades Fire.

The Pasadena Fire Department shared news of the honor on Facebook, expressing gratitude for the recognition at the prestigious event. “And The Oscar Goes To…PFD & our Public Safety partners will be honored tonight at the Academy Awards,” the department posted on Sunday.

Firefighters were welcomed onto the stage at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood, where celebrities and stars rose to their feet in appreciation. The moment marked the second time during the ceremony that the program acknowledged the devastation caused by the recent wildfires.

Conan O’Brien, who hosted the event, first mentioned wildfire relief efforts during his opening monologue. Later, after bringing the firefighters on stage, O’Brien had them read jokes from the teleprompter that even he considered too daring to deliver himself.

“And remember,” O’Brien told the audience during the lighthearted moment with the first responders, “everyone in this audience has to laugh, these are heroes.”

Three of the firefighters onstage read some jokes on the teleprompter. One of them was Pasadena Fire Captain Jodi Slicker who read the line, “It’s great to be back with Conan. Usually, when he calls, he’s stuck on a tree.”

The Pasadena Fire Department noted on Facebook that City Councilmember Steve Madison represented the department at the ceremony. According to their Facebook post, Madison wore his PFD hat while serving in his role as General Counsel for the Oscars.