Firefighters, police officers and other first responders who fought a deadly wildfire in LA County in January were celebrated at Disneyland on Monday, thanking their service.
Several first responders and their families participated in the Heroes Salute Cavalcade on Main Street in the United States. Disney characters such as Miguel, Peter Pan, Jeannie, Princess Jasmine and Merida from Pixar’s “Coco” were also part of the Cavalcade.
Disneyland performers pay tribute to Disneyland Main Street USA with the Heroes of the Heroes Salute Cabal Cade. Characters such as Pixar’s Coco, Peter Pan, Jeannie, Princess Jasmine, and Merida’s Miguel were also part of the Cabalcade.
Among them was Joshua Fillinger, a LAPD officer assigned to the North Hollywood department, who evacuated residents during the Palisade fire. Fillinger, who had been to the resort with his family since he was a boy, told KTLA that he was “unspoken” while attending Cavalcade.
LAPD executive Joshua Fillinger and Disneyland’s Laura Castillo. Disneyland announces more than 70 foods to celebrate its 70th anniversary in the upcoming
“I can’t even tell you how much it means for me and my family to receive that email,” Fillinger said. “Disney has put all this effort into caring for my partner and me, which makes me want to work harder, do the right thing for people and make more of a difference.”
Brothers Adam and Ian Vangelpen, who work at LAFD, also joined Cavalcade. LAFD captain and public relations officer Adam shared information about the fire with the public for 28 days. His brother Ian was stationed on the frontline for 14 days.
Brothers Adam and Ian Vangelpen, who work at LAFD, also joined Cavalcade.
Both men were grateful to Disney, other organizations and businesses for stepping up during the unprecedented event.
“The pouring of love and support we received was unprecedented. I’ve never seen anything like that. It’s so amazingly impressive, the food and donations, and what we do and what we do,” Ian said.
A Disneyland Firefighter team member also joined the celebration to pay tribute to his fellow firefighters.
Disneyland Fire Department 15-year veteran Mark McLean and third-year veteran Larry Chu both helped fight the fatal wildfires in LA County. McLean has also been assigned to LAFD, and Chu is working with the Sierra Madre Fire Station.
Mark McLean, a 15-year veteran of Disneyland Fire Station and a third-year veteran, both helped fight the deadly wildfires in LA County.
“It’s pretty cool to see Disney not just us here, but all the firefighters, police officers, EMTs and more. “It’s a very cool gesture to be honoured to be here. And we’re not interested in all the recognition, parades, etc., so it’s very humble and a bit annoying.”
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Although the Heroes Salute Cavalcade was a one-day event, Disneyland continues to honor first responders with Heroes tickets.
Free one-day Park Hopper tickets are valid from Monday through Thursday until August 7th, 2025.
The deal is open to California firefighters who helped fight deadly wildfires throughout LA County in January, as well as LA-based law enforcement and emergency medical technicians.
According to the resort, the ticket will be made available to eligible individuals from other sectors that provide mutual assistance assistance.
Qualifying Fire, Police and Sheriff’s departments have been contacted about ticket offers for April.
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