Dwayne Johnson gifts New Jersey firefighters new sneakers to thank first responders
The Ridgefield Volunteer Fire Department in New Jersey is rocking new footwear after movie star Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson arranged for 100 pairs of his new signature sneakers to be delivered as a thank-you to the "badasses" who keep their community safe.
The delivery of Under Armour Project Rock PR3 sneakers was presented on Aug. 27 at the Engine No. 2 station by Jillian Crane of the First Responders Children's Foundation, but was kept under wraps until The Rock posted a video announcement on Sunday.
"Glad you (badasses) got my note," Johnson posted. "A very small way of us saying, THANK YOU to you guys and all our first responders across our country. I see you and we’re grateful to you for always taking care of our families and communities.
Stay safe, stay healthy. Love and respect - DJ."
ByTuesday morning, the post had been viewed more than 1.8 million times.
Crane explained The Rock and Under Armour, as part of the new-shoe rollout, wanted to honor first responders on the east and west coasts. They partnered with the First Responders Children's Foundation to select recipients near the 9/11 terror attacks.
"(Ridgefield) is volunteer and has many affiliations in the first responder community," Crane said. "The Lincoln Tunnel, the Holland Tunnel, they lost people to 9/11. They are very connected to the Secret Service."
Crane read a similar note sent by Johnson to the Ridgefield responders:
"To the baddass firefighters at the Ridgefield Fire Department Engine number two, thank you," Crane recited. "During these tough times, you have protected your families, our loved ones and our communities. As a small mahalo, from myself and Under Armour, here's my newly released Project Rock PR3s. Hopefully these will help the hardest workers in the room kick ass even more. Gratitude and respect, Dwayne Johnson."
"It was unreal, such a moving surprise for us," Ridgefield Chief David Brierty said of the gesture. "I am truly humbled by the generosity and kindness of The Rock, Under Armour and the First Responders Children's Foundation."
Brierty said the only difficulty was being sworn to secrecy about the gift until Johnson put it out on social media.
"I got the call the day before to put this together," he said. "Honestly, it was pretty difficult because people were so excited. But now that it's out there we are so happy and excited again to let people know we have them."
"Do you know how hard it was to keep them quiet?" foundation director Scott Perrin said through laughter.
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The easiest part of the experience? Wearing the new kicks, which retail for $140.
"They feel fantastic," the chief said of his PR3's. "Probably one of the most comfortable pairs of sneakers I have ever owned."
Created in New York after 9/11, the First Responders Children’s Foundation provides financial support to both children who have lost a parent in the line of duty as well as families enduring significant financial hardships due to tragic circumstances.
Their current community efforts include a COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund seeking donations to assist first-responder families who are enduring financial hardship due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Email: wwesthoven@dailyrecord.com Twitter: @wwesthoven