Actor and director Josh Duhamel partnered with Bobcat Company to surprise Los Angeles firefighters with a brand-new Bobcat UV34XL utility vehicle in June 2025. The donation was made in recognition of the Los Angeles Fire Department’s first full-time, paid wildland hand crew, which helps mitigate and control wildfires. Duhamel personally handed over the keys to the vehicle during a surprise visit to LAFD Station 88 as part of Bobcat’s ‘Work Worth Doing’ campaign. The equipment is intended to support the crew during future wildfire operations, while the company also pledged a portion of proceeds from a limited-edition hat to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation.
How will Duhamel’s Bobcat vehicle donation help Los Angeles firefighters
According to an official press release by Bobcat, the donation was intended to provide additional equipment for firefighters involved in wildfire mitigation and suppression. Bobcat said the utility vehicle would support the department’s first full-time, paid wildland hand crew as it carries out its responsibilities. The company described the vehicle as a practical contribution towards the work of firefighters who help protect communities from wildfires.Speaking about the donation, Duhamel highlighted the importance of supporting emergency responders. “I think this is some of the most honourable work that you can do. It takes a special kind of person to sign up as a firefighter, especially in a place like Los Angeles where wildfires run rampant,” he said. He added: “We believe, myself and Bobcat, that the firefighters deserve the best tools out there, and that’s why we wanted to donate this machine. I think that anytime you can support those who are protecting others is definitely work worth doing.”
How will Josh Duhamel’s donation help Los Angeles firefighters
The Los Angeles Fire Department welcomed the donation, with Captain and Public Information Officer Adam VanGerpen acknowledging the contribution from Duhamel and Bobcat. He said the equipment would help the department strengthen its wildfire response efforts by improving the efficiency of its hand crew.“We are grateful for Bobcat and Josh’s commitment to advancing our efforts with the generous donation of a Bobcat UTV,” VanGerpen said. He further explained: “This will enhance our hand crew’s efficiency in mitigating and fighting wildfires, enabling us to achieve so much more in our mission to keep the community safe.”The utility vehicle is intended to be used during future wildfire operations, supporting the crew’s work in mitigating and controlling fires. The department’s hand crew is the first of its kind in Los Angeles to operate on a full-time, paid basis. The donation therefore forms part of the company’s effort to provide equipment to people carrying out essential work in their communities.
How is Bobcat extending its support beyond Los Angeles firefighters
The donation to the Los Angeles Fire Department was one of several contributions made through Bobcat’s ‘Work Worth Doing’ initiative in 2025. The company launched the campaign in May by partnering with entrepreneur and Magnolia co-founder Chip Gaines to surprise Jason Shields, a United States veteran and founder of Hoof Haven Sanctuary, with a Bobcat T595 compact track loader.Hoof Haven Sanctuary is a non-profit organisation that rescues endangered or injured horses, provides rehabilitation and finds them permanent homes. Bobcat said the initiative would continue throughout 2025, with other company ambassadors, including country musician Justin Moore and professional BMX rider Ryan Nyquist, visiting and recognising people making a difference in their communities.Alongside the utility vehicle donation, Bobcat also announced additional support for the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation. The company said it would donate a portion of the proceeds from sales of a limited-edition hat worn by Duhamel during his visit to the fire department.
