A 14‑year‑old’s handwritten note has earned the Los Angeles Fire Department a Hollywood star.
The star sits just steps from the famed Hollywood Walk of Fame, a tribute usually reserved for film and music icons.
It honors the LAFD’s bravery during the Palisades and Sunset fires that erupted in January.
The award, known as the Award of Excellence, was presented by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and the Hollywood Community Foundation.
The gesture was inspired by a student’s letter, a testament to the power of youth advocacy.
Local media reported on the ceremony with enthusiasm, highlighting the community’s appreciation for first responders.
The Letter that Sparked the Star
Eniola Taiwo, a 14‑year‑old eighth‑grader from Connecticut, wrote the letter as part of a class assignment focused on personal heroes.
She acknowledged that first responders are not traditional celebrities.
Yet she expressed confidence that Hollywood would embrace the idea of honoring them.
Her words emphasized the importance of recognizing and appreciating the everyday bravery of firefighters.
She concluded by encouraging other young people to become agents of positive change.
The letter became the catalyst for a new monument to bravery in Hollywood.
Eniola’s Powerful Words
Eniola wrote, “I know that the first responders aren’t exactly celebrities, contrary to all others on the Walk of Fame, but I am confident that there won’t be much opposition to recognize our modern‑day heroes.”
She went on to say, “This star for first responders will reach the hearts of many first responders and let them know that what they do is recognized and appreciated.”
She added, “It will also encourage young people like me to be a change in the world.”
Her heartfelt words resonated with the Chamber’s leadership, prompting immediate action.
The letter captured the spirit of gratitude and civic pride that the award would embody.
It became the catalyst for a new monument to bravery in Hollywood.
Chamber of Commerce Takes Action
The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce received the letter and reviewed its potential.
Steve Nissen, president and CEO, recognized the letter’s significance.
He decided to collaborate with the Hollywood Community Foundation to present the Award of Excellence.
The partnership aimed to honor the LAFD’s public service during the January fires.
The star would be placed just outside the official Walk of Fame, a symbolic location.
The decision reflected a broader commitment to celebrating community heroes.
The Award of Excellence
The Award of Excellence is a star‑shaped honor, distinct from the traditional Hollywood Walk of Fame plaques.
It acknowledges exceptional service and dedication to the public.
In this case, it recognized the LAFD’s response to the Palisades and Sunset fires.
The star’s design mirrors the iconic Hollywood sign, linking the city’s heritage with its present‑day heroes.
Although not officially part of the Walk of Fame, it stands in close proximity to the famed boulevard.
The award’s presentation underscores the community’s appreciation for first responders.
A Tradition of Honoring Heroes
Historically, the Award of Excellence has been presented to notable entities.
Past recipients include the Los Angeles Times, Variety, the Dodgers, and fallen officers of the Los Angeles Police Department.
These honors demonstrate the award’s prestige and its role in recognizing diverse contributions.
The inclusion of the LAFD aligns with this tradition of honoring public service.
Each award is selected by a committee that considers impact and service.
The award’s legacy reinforces the value of civic dedication.
Steve Nissen’s Statement
Prior to the ceremony, Steve Nissen released a statement highlighting the dual purpose of the award.
He noted that the honor celebrates both the bravery of the LAFD and the vision of the young student.
Nissen said, “This recognition is not only about honoring the bravery of the Los Angeles Fire Department, but also about celebrating the vision of a young student whose words reminded us all of the importance of gratitude and civic pride.”
He added that the student’s letter inspired the creation of a monument to bravery and service.
Nissen emphasized that the star would forever shine in Hollywood as a symbol of appreciation.
His remarks underscored the community’s gratitude toward first responders.
The Ceremony on Hollywood Boulevard
The award ceremony took place on Friday, with the star unveiled on Hollywood Boulevard.
LAFD Chief Jamie Moore was among the attendees, accompanied by Eniola Taiwo and her family.
During the event, Moore expressed surprise at the honor, describing it as unexpected.
He stated, “The men and women behind me don’t do this for recognition. We never ever dreamt that we would ever be deserving of a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame.”
Moore added that serving the community is their calling, not a quest for accolades.
The ceremony highlighted the collective appreciation of the city for the LAFD’s efforts.
Disney’s Support
Financial backing for the award and ceremony came from the Walt Disney Company.
Disney’s sponsorship enabled the presentation of the star and the organization of the event.
The company’s contribution reflects its ongoing support for community initiatives.
The partnership between the Chamber, Foundation, and Disney illustrates a collaborative effort to honor public service.
The star’s unveiling was a public celebration of civic pride and gratitude.
The event drew attention from local media and residents alike.
Reactions from the Fire Department and the Student
Chief Moore called the honor “unexpected” and praised the community’s recognition.
He noted that the LAFD’s mission is to serve, not to seek recognition.
Moore said, “We never ever dreamt that we would ever be deserving of a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame.”
Eniola, meanwhile, expressed enthusiasm, asking, “Why not recognize our real life heroes?”
She continued, “A star for these firefighters will let them know that what they do is recognized and appreciated.”
Eniola added that she hopes the star will bring joy and encourage the firefighters to keep being heroes.
Key Takeaways
- The LAFD earned a Hollywood star after a 14‑year‑old’s heartfelt letter.
- The Award of Excellence honors public service, not just celebrity.
- The ceremony highlighted community support and youth advocacy.
The LAFD’s Hollywood star, born from a 14‑year‑old’s heartfelt letter, symbolizes the city’s respect for those who protect its residents.
It demonstrates how community voices can influence public recognition.
The award aligns with a tradition of honoring civic contributions through the Award of Excellence.
With the support of Disney and the Chamber, the ceremony celebrated bravery, service, and the power of youth advocacy.
The star will remain a shining reminder that first responders are truly modern‑day heroes.
As the city continues to honor those who serve, this moment serves as an inspiration for future generations.
Hi, I’m Ethan R. Coleman, a dedicated journalist and content creator at newsoflosangeles.com — your trusted source for the latest news, insights, and stories from Los Angeles and beyond.
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