- Categories:
- Appreciation
- Tags:
- CareerCivic
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every October 28
- Holiday emoji:
- 👨🚒
National First Responders Day recognizes the heroic men and women who take immediate action when disaster strikes every October 28. From firefighters and police to paramedics and dispatchers, these dedicated professionals put their lives on the line daily. Take a moment to thank a first responder, support their organizations, or simply learn more about their vital work.
Want to sponsor National First Responders Day? Learn how
Expected National First Responders Day Deals
National First Responders Day on October 28 is a prime opportunity for businesses to show gratitude to our everyday heroes. While specific 2027 promotions are yet to be announced, we anticipate many brands will continue their tradition of offering discounts and special recognition. Look for offers from retailers like Target and Lowe’s, which often provide ongoing military and first responder discounts that may be highlighted. Fast-food chains such as Chipotle and Starbucks frequently offer free meals or beverages to verified first responders. Local businesses, including restaurants and service providers, are also expected to roll out exclusive deals or appreciation events. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as October 28 approaches.
Platform Guide for National First Responders Day
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #FirstRespondersDay. Share stories of local heroes or important safety tips.
Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #FirstRespondersDay. Highlight career paths and training for first responders.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #FirstRespondersDay. Organize a community event or fundraiser to support local units.
National First Responders Day Hero
Stephen Siller
History of National First Responders Day
Congress designated October 28th as National First Responders Day in 2017. The resolution honors the firefighters, police officers, EMTs, and all those who are first on the scene in stressful situations. Notably, the family of Sean Collier, a police officer ambushed and murdered during events related to the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, supported the resolution.
A 1966 federal study called Accidental Death and Disability: The Neglected Disease of Modern Society named accidental injuries as the “leading cause of death in the first half of life’s span.”
Further, the report showed that vehicle accidents during 1965 alone killed more Americans than were lost in the Korean War — and stated that seriously wounded citizens would fare better in a war zone than on the average city street. The report also identified a lack of regulation or standards for ambulance operations or provider training.
The authors made several recommendations for both managing and preventing accidental injuries, including the standardization of emergency training for “rescue squad personnel, policemen, firemen and ambulance attendants.” This standardization led to the first nationally recognized curriculum for EMTs (emergency medical technicians).
Professional training today can take anywhere from one to three years. Candidates learn life support techniques in first-response situations, including CPR, tourniquet application, and treatment of wounds. Paramedics deliver more advanced procedures and therefore require more extensive education and training.
National First Responders Day timeline
UCLA and Eastern Kentucky University are the first to invite national accreditors to review their EMT programs.
Health experts begin to theorize that more could be done in out-of-hospital settings, including advanced airway management, vascular access and medication administration. This leads to the creation and implementation of the emergency medical technician–paramedic (EMT-P) curriculum.
The popular TV series shows paramedics providing care in a manner that most Americans had never seen. Although purely fictional, Emergency! sets new expectations for the job and encourages many Americans to pursue careers in EMS.
Advanced cardiac life support training provides a crucial new tool to treat patients experiencing a heart attack or some other form of cardiac arrest. Still, it’s not required for paramedic training and certification until the mid 1980s.
Andrew Collier, brother of Sean Collier, an officer killed during the Boston Marathon bombing, helped establish a day of recognition.
Senators Elizabeth Warren and Tom Cotton, along with Representatives Mark Meadows, Michael Capuano and Elijah Cummings introduced a resolution to establish National First Responders Day.
The state approved a bill honoring every first responder.
National First Responders Day FAQs
When is National First Responders Day?
National First Responders Day 2026 falls on Wednesday, October 28. It’s a dedicated day to acknowledge the brave individuals who protect our communities.
How many first responders are there in the U.S.?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are approximately 1.1 million police officers, firefighters, and EMTs/paramedics in the U.S. These figures highlight the vast network of professionals dedicated to public safety.
What is the average salary for a first responder?
Salaries for first responders vary significantly by role, experience, and region. For example, the median annual wage for police and detectives was approximately $70,000 in 2023, while EMTs and paramedics earned around $40,000. Firefighters had a median salary of about $54,000.
Is National First Responders Day a federal holiday?
No, National First Responders Day is not a federal holiday, meaning government offices and banks remain open. It is a day of observance established to honor first responders, often recognized through local events and community appreciation.
How to Observe National First Responders Day
Say thanks
Whether it's getting your family to write personalized thank you cards or baking some cookies for local firefighters, there are many ways to share your gratitude.
Raise money
Research how to help finance equipment and resources for first responders. Help those who dare to risk it all.
Volunteer
Maybe you're looking to donate your own time and support. Don't feel the need to be a hero — just help when you can. Take a CPR course if possible.
First Responders By The Numbers
The ultimate sacrifice
One hundred firefighters die in the line of duty each year.
"9-1-1. What's your emergency?"
An estimated 240 million 9-1-1 calls are made in the U.S. per year.
Gone in less than 30 seconds
A fire department responds to a fire every 24 seconds.
EMS to the rescue
Emergency Medical Services takes care of 22 million patients a year.
Why National First Responders Day is Important
It reminds us of their sacrifice
First responders face high risks virtually every time they step out onto the front lines. It's quite likely America's most dangerous career.
It's a day for them to bask in their heroism
First responders put other lives ahead of their own. On this day they get to share joy with teammates and take a moment to feel appreciated.
It's the least we can do
There's not much we can do to pay back these men and women who risk it all for us — nor do they expect it. Still, honoring them on this day is an important gesture.
National First Responders Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | October 28 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | October 28 | Thursday |
| 2028 | October 28 | Saturday |
| 2029 | October 28 | Sunday |
| 2030 | October 28 | Monday |
Social Media Tips for National First Responders Day
Individuals
Creators
Brands