Amidst the devastating Los Angeles wildfires, FOX Sports stepped up to provide a much-needed morale boost to the tireless first responders battling the blazes. The network supplied televisions to fire crews so they could catch the NFL playoff action during their hard-earned breaks.
FOX Sports NFL reporter Jay Glazer, reporting from the Palisades Incident Command Post in Malibu, shared the story of how this thoughtful gesture came about. Glazer, whose own home was under evacuation orders, described how he and his wife were among the many Californians bringing supplies and support to the firefighters. During one such visit, he learned that what the firefighters truly desired was a chance to watch football.
A helicopter drops water on the Palisades Fire in Mandeville Canyon, Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Fire crews work the burn zone of the Palisades Fire in Mandeville Canyon, Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Glazer immediately contacted FOX Sports CEO Eric Shanks, who quickly embraced the idea. Within 24 hours, televisions were installed in the firefighters' decompression and dining area. And it wasn't just the FOX game that was on offer – firefighters had access to all the weekend's playoff games. Glazer emphasized that this was FOX Sports' way of expressing gratitude to the brave individuals who put their own lives on hold to protect the community.
Adding to the heartwarming story, Glazer revealed that Commanders head coach Dan Quinn and Lions head coach Dan Campbell even FaceTimed with the firefighters before their playoff game, which aired on FOX. He described the coaches as being deeply impressed by the firefighters’ dedication.
The devastation of the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope)
Glazer highlighted the importance of providing a sense of normalcy and boosting morale for the firefighters who had witnessed harrowing scenes during their long shifts. He reiterated FOX Sports’ commitment to supporting these heroes in any way possible.
The Palisades Fire ravages a neighborhood in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope, File)
