New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady expressed his appreciation for the firefighters who battled a devastating blaze in Boston on Wednesday, SFGate.com reported.
In a conversation with WEEI-FM on Thursday, Brady said his wife, Gisele Bunchden, notified him of the fire, which was about "four doors down" from the couple and their family.
Two firefighters lost their lives fighting the nine-alarm apartment fire.
"I can't express my gratitude and thanks enough to all the first-responders and the people that were there fighting that fire all night last night," Brady told the radio station. "I had a firsthand view of all the action and was just blown away by the bravery and the teamwork that they really displayed. I've lived in the Back Bay for a long time, and that was one of the scarier days. I feel so badly for the families of the two firefighters that were lost. And obviously all the men that were associated with fighting that fire yesterday, losing one of their close friends.
"We as athletes think that we're heroes, but when you witness firsthand what I saw yesterday, you realize who the real heroes are in this world, and that's the people that work hard to protect our lives and protect our safety, our freedoms in America. Certainly the firefighters and Boston Police and the state troopers.
"I just want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart."
Brady also posted a message on Facebook, extending his "deepest sympathies and condolences" to the Boston Fire Department and the victims' families.
"All of you will be in our thoughts and prayers," he said.
