Josh Duhamel is highlighting the heroes in his community.
The Transformers star surprised the firefighters at Los Angeles Fire Department Station 88 with a donation of $20,000 and a Bobcat utility vehicle (UTV) in recognition of their service to their community, particularly during the devastating wildfires earlier this year.
“I’m so proud and grateful for the work our firefighters do in this town,” he told E! News’ Francesca Amiker in an exclusive interview. “I think anybody who lives here understands how important they are to this community.”
Having played a firefighter in the 2012 thriller Fire With Fire, the actor has long held the profession in high esteem—though he was quick to note that the real-life heroes are in a league of their own.
“Anytime you can meet the guys who do the actual deed, it helps you,” he explained. “Playing a firefighter isn’t quite actually fighting fire, so yes, I do learn from these guys. I really do admire them so much in the work that they do, so any chance I get to support them, I take that seriously.”