What began as character research for his role as Chief 'Needles' Nelson in “Rescue Me” has now turned into a lifelong friendship between actor Adam Ferrara and firefighters across the country.
The 58-year-old actor and comedian joined the FX show in season five and, with the help of a friend, was able to accompany the firefighters in their truck. “They opened their arms to me and gave me everything I needed to play them. Since then, I have been eternally grateful to them,” he told Fox News Digital.
That was over a decade ago.
FORMER 'RESCUE ME' CHILD ACTRESS CREDIT COUNTRY MUSIC FOR HELPING HER HEAL AFTER LEUKEMIA DIAGNOSIS
Actors John Scurti, Adam Ferrara and Denis Leary are seen in New York on location for their show “Rescue Me” in April 2010. (Bobby Bank/WireImage/Getty Images)
Since then, Ferrara has only strengthened his relationship with first responders, seeking out fire stations during his tour.
“When I'm on tour as a comedian, I like to stop at all the fire stations and, you know, shake their hands, thank them for their service and say hello to the guys, the men and women who work there.”
Adam Ferrara says he visits fire stations while on tour. (Bobby Bank/Getty Images)
LIKE WHAT YOU'RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
“They opened their arms to me and gave me everything I needed to photograph them. I have been eternally grateful to them ever since.”
Ferrera says that “most of the time” he is invited to share a meal with different departments.
“The meal at the firehouse is sacred,” he shared. “I mean, that's where all the family business takes place. That's where conflicts are resolved or started. It's just like any other house. And when they ask me to sit at that table, you know, it's an honor for me, because I know what that means to the guys.”
“I feel at home with them. And whenever I can give back for what they've done for me, I will. And the FDIC is a great place to go.”
APP USERS CLICK HERE TO VIEW INSTAGRAM
The FDIC is an annual conference for firefighters held in various locations around the country. It offers firefighters the opportunity to attend training sessions, network, and more.
“One of the things that I'm really pleased about is the attention that's being given to mental health. You know, they really look out for each other,” Ferrara said. “It's not [swept] “They're not swept under the rug anymore. There's peer support where they talk to each other to deal with that trauma and take care of each other, and that sense of community and that sense of brotherhood. And to be a part of that and to be able to contribute to that is, it's rewarding for me. I get a lot out of it. That's why I continue to do it.”
Actors and comedians Denis Leary, Adam Ferrara and Lenny Clarke are pictured with Telford Fire Company, who previously purchased the fire engine used in Rescue Me. (Bill McCay/Getty Images for Sony Television)
CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER
Ferrara told Fox News Digital that he really admires firefighters and what they do for the community.
“We're living in tough times. The whole world is divided. People don't get along. And when people are faced with fear and uncertainty, they find like-minded people. They band together, label an enemy, and attack. Because that's acting out of fear. Firefighters run into burning buildings to save people they don't even know. That's acting out of courage. That's what I admire about firefighters.”
WATCH: ACTOR ADAM FERRARA SHARES HIS ADMIRATION FOR FIREFIGHTERS
Ferrara can still remember a special moment from years ago on the set of “Rescue Me,” where real firefighters demonstrated their extreme work ethic, on and off screen.
“There was a car fire in Brooklyn. It was a night shoot. And we have real firefighters on site.” [set]”We can't drive that truck. Are you kidding me? We're actors, for God's sake. We're going to kill somebody,” he joked.
WATCH: 'RESCUE ME' STAR ADAM FERRARA SHARES A SURPRISING STORY FROM THE SET
Ferrara recalls that when they took a lunch break, two firefighters left the set. When they returned, he recognized a distinct barbecue smell and asked them what had happened during the lunch break.
“During lunchtime, they left the set. They went to put out a real fire. They came back. I ate a tuna sandwich and took a nap, and I was still grumpy. These guys put out a fire and came back. Like nothing happened!” he said. “And they never talk about it… For them, it's just a matter of fact… For us, it's an act of bravery. For them, it's Tuesday.”
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
