National First Responders Day

Smiling first responder in uniform, holding a bouquet of roses, standing in front of a fire engine.. — National first responders day illustration

Clear the streets! Sirens blaring, lights flashing, it's time to give a loud shout out to the superheroes without capes- our dear first responders! National First Responders Day, ringing in on the 28th October, is that special day in the year where we present our rose-scented Thank You notes or a box of donuts, if you're going the police way, to the brave souls who run towards danger while we run away from it.

When is First Responders Day?

It's national first responders day on the 28th October.

A Salute to Our Heroes

First things first, we can unanimously agree that first responders are the real MVPs! These brave individuals form the front line of emergency response, be it to fires, medical incidents, crimes, or car crashes. With our record of 8169 mentions, it appears that the whole internet came together to tip their hats to our heroes on 28th October 2020.

Answering the Alarm

When the bell tolls or alarms blare, our valiant paramedics, firefighters, police officers, emergency medical technicians, and many others, don't pause their favorite Netflix show or ignore the call like a pesky ex. Instead, they step up and step out, knowing that someone, somewhere needs help, pronto!

The Origin Story

Like a humble superhero, National First Responders Day began its journey under the radar, with Congressman Tom Suozzi putting forth the resolution in 2019. Oct 28, which was probably just the day to bring out your Halloween decors for many, was now a day to recognize these towering stalwarts.

Heroes Deserve Hi-Fives and Hot Dogs

Like throwing a frisbee to your dog, it's only fitting to return the selfless acts of our first responders with gestures of appreciation. Commemorations range from a simple wave across the street, a heart-shaped cake, or even hosting communal bbqs (extra hot dogs for our heroes, please). Let's also not forget social media trending hashtags like #FirstResponderDay to amplify the cheers!

History behind the term 'First Responders'

2001

The aftermath of the September 11 attacks

In 2001, the term 'first responders' gained prominence following the tragic events of September 11. During the attacks, firefighters, police officers, and emergency medical personnel were the first to arrive at the World Trade Center and Pentagon. Their selfless actions and willingness to rush into danger to save lives became deeply ingrained in the collective consciousness of the nation.

2002

Enactment of the U.S. Patriot Act

In 2002, the U.S. Congress passed the USA PATRIOT (Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism) Act in response to the September 11 attacks. This legislation defined 'first responders' as those individuals who play a vital role in responding to and mitigating the effects of terrorist attacks, major disasters, and other emergencies.

2003

National recognition and appreciation

Following the attacks and the passing of the U.S. Patriot Act, the term 'first responders' became widely recognized and celebrated nationally. People started acknowledging and appreciating the sacrifices and bravery of these frontline professionals who put their lives on the line to protect others in times of crisis.

2006

Designation of National First Responders Day

In 2006, the United States Congress officially designated September 27 as National First Responders Day. This day serves as an annual observance to honor the heroic efforts and contributions of first responders across the country, showcasing the critical role they play in keeping communities safe and secure.

Present

Ongoing recognition and support

Today, the term 'first responders' encompasses various professionals, including firefighters, police officers, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, and others who are among the first to arrive at the scene of an emergency. Their dedication and bravery continue to inspire and their pivotal role in safeguarding society is recognized and supported by communities worldwide.

Did you know?

First Responders Day isn't an officially recognized day across all states yet! While it's surging in popularity thanks to social media, it's still up to the local government to officially mark the day. Can anyone say, 'New favorite advocacy?'