National First Responders Day Program
Support and Honor Your Local First Reponder Heroes
Celebrate National First Responders Day Annually on October 28th
In September of 2016, Thank You First Responder Co-Founders Matt Jackson, Stanton Smith, and Andrew Collier, brother of the late MIT police officer Sean Collier and others began advocating in person on Capitol Hill for the creation of a “Day of Appreciation” for First Responders.
The effort spawned an advocacy campaign for several years to express our gratitude and share our support for First Responders including petitions formally requesting that Congress pass legislation creating a National First Responders Day. On October 27, 2022 President Joe Biden issued a White House Proclamation naming October 28th as National First Responders Day.
Join with us to Save The Date to Celebrate National First Responders Day every October 28th.
As we go about our daily lives, it is crucial to take a special day to recognize the selfless individuals who tirelessly work to keep us safe, often putting their own lives on the line. Today, we express our heartfelt gratitude to Andrew Collier, President Joe Biden, U.S. Congressional members, including but not limited to former U.S. Representative Michael Capuano (D-MA), former U.S. Representative Mark Meadows (R-NC), U.S. Senator Tom Cotton (R-AK), and U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) for their dedication, efforts, and persistence in establishing October 28th as “National First Responders Day.” This day stands as a testament to the significance of these unsung heroes in our society.
The impact of First Responders on our lives cannot be overstated. They contribute to the well-being and security of everyday citizens in immeasurable ways. Whether it’s rescuing individuals from dangerous situations, providing urgent medical care during emergencies, or maintaining law and order in the midst of chaos, their presence brings solace and peace of mind to our communities.

2025 National First Responders Day Event
Presented By

Fort Lauderdale, Florida
October 28, 2024
Time
5:00 – 10:00 PMLocation
Panthers | Baptist Health Iceplex
800 Northeast 8th Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Hosted By

Join us for an evening of gratitude as we honor the courage and sacrifice of our local heroes. The event includes free ice skating for First Responders, a thrilling Fire & ICE Hockey Game rematch from last year’s Firefighters vs. Police matchup, and an opportunity for friends, families, and supporters to gather and celebrate.
Event Schedule
5:00 – 6:00pm
Public Skate
First Responders Skate FREE with Valid ID*
6:15 – 7:45pm
Fire & ICE Hockey Game:
Firefighters vs. Police
7:00pm
Florida Panthers vs. Anaheim Ducks
On big screens inside IcePlex and the Federal Restaurant
Singer-songwriter and TYFRO co-founder Matt Jackson will perform the Thank You First Responder Anthem, continuing a beloved tradition of heartfelt musical tributes. The celebration will also highlight WhiteFlag, a mental health support app available free, anonymous and featuring peer support. Additionally, attendees can learn about a free leadership course offered to First Responders and service-disabled veterans, made possible by the John Maxwell Leadership Foundation.
Be inspired by a day filled with tributes, community interaction, and heartfelt gratitude. Whether you’re a First Responder, family member, or community supporter, your presence makes a difference. Let’s unite to show our heroes the appreciation they deserve.
*Valid First Responder ID required for free skate. The event is open to the community and family-friendly. A portion of the skating proceed to benefit the Thank You First Responder Organization.
Join Our Founding Sponsors to Commemorate
National Responders Day
Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a movement that recognizes and celebrates the sacrifices and contributions of First Responders. We look forward to your presence! Contact (954) 762-7000 or sponsor@ThankYouFirstresponder.org for Sponsorship Opportunities.



Thank you to everyone who made our 2023 National First Responders Day Event such a success!
A very special Thank You to all of the First Responders who were able to attend and also to all the First Responders who serve and protect our communities who were unable to attend. We are grateful for your service to us all.
National First Responder Press Releases & Updates
[Press Release] Action Roofing Named Presenting Sponsor for Thank You First Responder’s Third Annual National First Responders Day Celebration in Fort Lauderdale
Learn more about the 2024 National First Responders Day Event at the Panthers Baptist Health IcePlex where Thank You First Responder will present the “Culture of Thank You” Award to WhiteFlag App CEO Jonny McCoy.
[Press Release] Thank You First Responder Announces 2024 National First Responders Day Celebration at Panthers Baptist Health IcePlex
Learn more about the 2024 National First Responders Day Event at the Panthers Baptist Health IcePlex where Thank You First Responder will present the “Culture of Thank You” Award to WhiteFlag App CEO Jonny McCoy.
[Press Release] National Nonprofit Thank You First Responder Honors Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco with Meritorious Service Award
Learn more about the 2024 National First Responders Day Event at the Palm Springs Air Museum where Thank You First Responder will present the Meritorious Service Award to Sheriff Chad Bianco.
National First Responders Day Inaugural Celebration 2023: Looking Back to Look Ahead
Thank You First Responder (TYFRO) held its National First Responders Day Inaugural Celebration on October 28, 2023 in Boca Raton, Florida. We look back on our Inaugural celebration and look ahead, using the spirit of this special day to inspire future generations.
[Press Release] Thank You First Responder Launches Annual Celebration of National First Responders Day and Local Heroes Program
Thank You First Responder (TYFRO), proudly announces its annual celebration in honor of National First Responders Day on October 28th and details about the upcoming Local Heroes Program launching 2024.
[Press Release] Thank You First Responder to Honor FL State Representative Chip LaMarca with the Doug Stepelton “Culture of Thank You” Award
Thank You First Responder (TYFRO) is proud to announce that Florida State Rep Chip LaMarca as recipient of the 2023 Doug Stepelton “Culture of Thank You” Award during the National First Responders Day celebration on October 28 in Boca Raton, FL.
![[Press Release] Action Roofing Named Presenting Sponsor for Thank You First Responder’s Third Annual National First Responders Day Celebration in Fort Lauderdale](https://i0.wp.com/thankyoufirstresponder.org/assets/uploads/2025/10/TYFRO-National-First-Responders-Day-2025-PR-Featured-Image.jpg?resize=400%2C250&ssl=1)
![[Press Release] Thank You First Responder Announces 2024 National First Responders Day Celebration at Panthers Baptist Health IcePlex](https://i0.wp.com/thankyoufirstresponder.org/assets/uploads/2024/10/TYFRO-National-First-Responders-Day-2024-PR-Featured.jpg?resize=400%2C250&ssl=1)
![[Press Release] National Nonprofit Thank You First Responder Honors Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco with Meritorious Service Award](https://i0.wp.com/thankyoufirstresponder.org/assets/uploads/2024/08/TYFRO-NFRD-Riverside-County-Sheriff-Chad-Bianco-Meritorious-Service-Award-Featured-Image.jpg?resize=400%2C250&ssl=1)

![[Press Release] Thank You First Responder Launches Annual Celebration of National First Responders Day and Local Heroes Program](https://i0.wp.com/thankyoufirstresponder.org/assets/uploads/2023/10/TYFRO-2023-NFRD-Event-PR-Featured-Image.jpg?resize=400%2C250&ssl=1)
![[Press Release] Thank You First Responder to Honor FL State Representative Chip LaMarca with the Doug Stepelton “Culture of Thank You” Award](https://i0.wp.com/thankyoufirstresponder.org/assets/uploads/2021/03/TYFRO-Press-Release_Chip-LaMarca_wFirst-Responders_Featured-Image.jpg?resize=400%2C250&ssl=1)
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