Updates
What is this About?
Thank You First Responder is a grassroots effort and 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose purpose is to raise awareness, support, celebrate, honor and most importantly say Thank You to our Nation’s First Responders for the difficult job they do every day by putting their lives on the line to protect and enhance our country and way of life.
We partner with individuals, communities, businesses and organizations to support our programs that include the creation of a National First Responder Day of Appreciation as the ultimate expression of thanks and gratitude for our local heroes and empowering First Responders in local communities by providing Mental Health First Aid instructional programs. Show your appreciation for all First Responders by supporting our programs below.
Did You Know There Are Over
First Responders in the U.S.
Organization Background
The creation of the organization began in early 2014 when Doug Stepelton of the Stacy Foundation was in dialogue with Congressman Mark Meadows (R-NC 11) about the need to Honor First Responders and the idea for an anthem song was born. Singer – songwriter Matt Jackson was approached and agreed to write the song and ultimately traveled to Los Angeles to work in the recording studio with Producer and Engineer Darrell Thorp, a multi-Grammy award winner who has worked with a wide range of artists, from Paul McCartney, Ray Charles, Jay-Z, Elton John and Switchfoot to Joni Mitchell, Dwight Yokum and Radiohead among others.
The resulting song, “Thank You First Responder” is a touching anthem instilling emotion and a true sentiment of appreciation for First Responders who demonstrate daily bravery by providing safety for us all. The founders of the organization, Matt Jackson, Ron Polito and Stanton Smith are honored to work with communities across the nation to share the importance of creating a culture of Thank You for America’s Heroes.
Listen to the Anthem “Thank You First Responder”
Listen to the Anthem by playing the Spotify stream.
Watch “A Day in the Life…” Official Music Video for the Anthem – Thank You First Responder
Official Music Video for Thank You First Responder Organization entitled “A Day in the Life…” The music video shares “A Day in the Life” of five different First Responders and communicates the often neglected reality that First Responders are much more than the job responsibilities they perform. Created to promote a “Culture of Thank You” and teach the importance of appreciating ALL First Responders.
Share the Song!
Purchase the Anthem*
*A portion of the proceeds will go towards helping the families of fallen First Responders.
Want to Do More for First Responders?
Why Participate?
To honor Law Enforcement, Firefighters, EMTs, Emergency Management and Search & Rescue as well as ALL those who have or continue to dedicate and sacrifice to protect and keep us safe.
Here is one example of a First Responder who sacrificed his life in the line of duty.
MIT Officer Sean Collier Ambushed by Boston Marathon Bombers
Andrew Collier of Charlotte, North Carolina who works at Hendrick MotorSports created a petition to support the creation of a National Holiday for First Responders after his brother, Sean Collier — the MIT officer who was gunned down by the Boston Marathon bombers on April 18, 2013 – tragically lost his life in the line of duty. Andrew is trying to be sure the sacrifice of First Responders – whether they be police officers, firefighters, or paramedics – will never be forgotten.
We are working with Andrew to unify our mutual efforts to educate the public about the importance of establishing a First Responders’ National Holiday.
Learn How to Help Create a National First Responders Day
Show your support and appreciation for First Responders by viewing the petition and learning about the creation of a National First Responders Day.
Share Your Stories
Please share your stories, photos and videos from interactions and memories of firefighters, EMT’s or law enforcement, trained in urgent medical care and other emergency dispatchers, disaster agencies and even volunteers. First responders are the people who show up in the face of danger and natural disaster because they are committed to serving others.
Get Involved!
This initiative requires a full spectrum of participation with all demographics, but especially those who have been helped either directly or indirectly by First Responders. People from all walks of life are critical to the success of this effort. Help us thank First Responders for the difficult job they do every day by putting their lives on the line to protect and enhance our country and way of life.
Thank a First Responder
Join us in saying Thank You to First Responders.
Listen + Watch + Share the Anthem
Inspire others to do the same!
View the Petition
Help to educate about the creation of a National Day of Recognition for First Responders.
Share Your Stories
Share your First Responder Stories with us to encourage others to support the initiative.
Join Us in Saying Thank You To First Responders
Just add the hashtag #ThankYouFirstResponder to your Tweets, Instagram Media, Flicker Posts or Google+ Activities and we’ll display them below!
We owe a debt of gratitude to our brave first responders who selflessly put themselves in harm’s way to help others. This initiative is a wonderful way to honor them. #ThankYouFirstResponder
It is important to remember all the good our nation’s first responders do every day and support them in every way possible. They truly are the line between a civilized society and chaos.
First Responders are not just the ones to pull you out of a burning building, rescue you from a violent car crash or get you to the hospital within the moments between life and death. They are also the ones who pick up your father who has been living in a hospital bed in the living room for a year and often falls from the bed while he’s being cleaned and changed. Not only do they help, sometimes several times a week, they accomplish the action with a smile on their face as they honor a man who used to be strong but has somehow found himself in that position. They perform their job with integrity and respect and I’m forever grateful to the First Responders who graced the doors of my fathers’ home.
What Happens Next?
We’re always working to create more ways to say Thank You to First Responders. If you have an idea, share it with us so we can further the cause!