Uploaded July 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 hours ago
LOS ANGELES - The Los Angeles Fire Department is proud to share that Firefighter David Walters was honored last night with the Pat Tillman Award for Service at the 2025 ESPY Awards, broadcast live from the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood.
A firefighter assigned to Fire Station 112, Walters was recognized for his exceptional service during the Palisades Fire, as well as his inspiring journey from Olympic athlete to public servant.
Before joining LAFD, Walters earned a gold medal with Team USA as a swimmer at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Earlier this year, Walters was assigned to Engine 48 and spent the first critical week of the Palisades Fire, shoulder to shoulder with fellow first responders, battling extreme fire behavior and hurricane-force winds. The Pat Tillman Award for Service, named in honor of the late NFL player and Army Ranger, recognizes individuals with a strong connection to sports who serve others in extraordinary ways. Walters was selected from a national field of candidates and profiled by ABC ahead of the live awards broadcast.
The Los Angeles Fire Department extends its heartfelt congratulations to Firefighter Walters on receiving this national honor. We are honored and deeply grateful to serve alongside him.
LOS ANGELES - The Los Angeles Fire Department is proud to share that Firefighter David Walters was honored last night with the Pat Tillman Award for Service at the 2025 ESPY Awards, broadcast live from the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood.
A firefighter assigned to Fire Station 112, Walters was recognized for his exceptional service during the Palisades Fire, as well as his inspiring journey from Olympic athlete to public servant.
Before joining LAFD, Walters earned a gold medal with Team USA as a swimmer at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Earlier this year, Walters was assigned to Engine 48 and spent the first critical week of the Palisades Fire, shoulder to shoulder with fellow first responders, battling extreme fire behavior and hurricane-force winds. The Pat Tillman Award for Service, named in honor of the late NFL player and Army Ranger, recognizes individuals with a strong connection to sports who serve others in extraordinary ways. Walters was selected from a national field of candidates and profiled by ABC ahead of the live awards broadcast.
The Los Angeles Fire Department extends its heartfelt congratulations to Firefighter Walters on receiving this national honor. We are honored and deeply grateful to serve alongside him.
