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 at Johnny O’s Gymnasium. As we look back on the Inaugural celebration, we also look ahead, using the spirit of this special day to inspire future generations. Join us as we delve deeper into the highlights of the day and envision the path forward for the continued recognition annually of our invaluable First Responders.

About the Inaugural Celebration

The National First Responders Day Celebration filled the city of Boca Raton, Florida with a surge of appreciation and joy. This milestone event, organized by Thank You First Responder (TYFRO), served as an earnest homage to our everyday heroes, while providing an outlet for our shared respect for their bravery and commitment.

Johnny O’s Gymnasium was the venue where the celebration was honored with an Official Proclamation signed by Boca Raton Mayor Scott Singer. This proclamation recognized TYFRO’s crucial role in establishing National First Responders Day and was presented by Boca Deputy Mayor Monica Mayotte, City Commissioner Yvette Drucker, and City Commissioner Fran Nachlas.

“We are incredibly proud to have been a part of establishing October 28 as National First Responders Day. This day is not just an annual celebration but a symbol of our collective gratitude,” said TYFRO Co-Founder Stanton Smith. “By dedicating this day to them, we aspire to motivate communities to express their thanks to those who bravely serve us.”

A standout moment of the evening was the presentation of the 2023 Doug Stepelton “Culture of Thank You” Award to Florida State Representative Chip LaMarca. Sean Stepelton presented the award in acknowledgment of Rep. LaMarca’s relentless efforts over many years to support and advocate for First Responders.

Adding a harmonious touch to the celebration, TYFRO Co-Founder, singer-songwriter Matt Jackson performed the Thank You First Responder Anthem Song. His heartfelt performance struck a chord with the crowd of over 300 supporters and First Responders from across South Florida, creating a memorable moment that will be cherished for years to come.

National First Responders Day Logo

(L-R) TYFRO Co-Founder Matt Jackson, Sean Stepelton, TYFRO Co-Founder Stanton Smith, State Rep. Chip LaMarca, Pastor Marcos, Retired First Responder and Mental Health Health expert Michale Allora. Photo 2:  State Rep. Chip LaMarca is presented the Doug Stepelton “Culture of Thank You” award by Sean Stepelton. Photo 3: Eileen and the Honorable Chip LaMarca.

More than 300 guests including 40 plus First Responders celebrated the Inaugural National First Responders Day on Saturday, October 28 in Boca Raton, Florida at Johnny O’s Gymnasium.

On October 28, 2023 The City of Boca Raton, Florida presented an Official Proclamation signed by Mayor Scott Singer to national non profit, Thank You First Responder, Inc. for their creation of National First Responders Day celebration at Johnny O’s Gymnasium. Pictured L- R, City Commissioner Yvette Drucker Depty Mayor Monica Mayotte, City Commissioner Fran Nachlas and Boca Raton Policeman Ryan Vrabel.

First Responder Robert Greer was “Margaritaville at Sea” Bahamas Cruise Winner – pictured with TYFRO Co-Founder Matt Jackson.

TYFRO Co-Founder, singer-songwriter Matt Jackson and Ryan Vrabel, 50/50 Raffle Winner (who graciously donated $100 back to the non profit)

TYFRO Co-Founder, singer-songwriter Matt Jackson and Sean Stepelton.

Event volunteer Wayne Doyle and TYFRO Co-Founder, Stanton Smith prepare to kick off the “First Responder” Raffle and award ceremony.

Pictured at the event: (L – R) Tangela Dixon, Retired Dispatcher for Broward Sheriff’s Office, Johnny and Alisha Owen, Event Hosts and owners of Johnny O’s Gymnasium in Boca Raton, FL, and David Dixon Sr.

Sean Stepelton who presented the Doug Stepelton “Culture of Thank You” Award to State Representative Chip LaMarca and Pastor “Marcos” Van Dorn, Lead Pastor of Florida Faith Church in Ft. Lauderdale delivered a moving benediction.

2023 Doug Stepelton “Culture of Thank You” Award presented to the Honorable Chip LaMarca

Local Heroes Program 

In conjunction with the celebration, TYFRO announced the upcoming launch of their Local Heroes Program in 2024. This initiative is designed to provide free download kits for local events and foster meaningful connections between America’s youth and First Responders. “Each class room across America has a child that is in some way connected to a First Responder, be it a mom, dad, aunt, uncle or grandparent and we want to see the walls torn down between our inner city kids and local First Responders,” said TYFRO Co-Founder Matt Jackson.

The local event kits will include everything needed to honor and thank the First Responder Local Heroes in hometowns throughout the U.S. year round by providing templates and resources geared for school music programs, churches and community service organizations, including National First Responders Day every October 28th.

A Special Thank You to Our Event Sponsors

The National First Responders Day Inaugural Celebration was made possible due to the generous support from sponsors such as, The GEO Group, Osborne & Francis Law Firm, Total Wine & More, NRA Country, Alterna Equity Partners, Celsius, Cove Brewery, Margaritaville at Sea Cruise, NILLION Agency, Cayce Creative Concepts, Nutrashop, Kalev Spa, UltraBody, and others. “Our sponsors’ unwavering dedication to First Responders perfectly aligns with our mission and values,” Smith remarked. “Their ongoing commitment to First Responders is praiseworthy, and we are thankful for their backing.”

As we reminisce about this extraordinary day, we are also looking forward. We invite communities across America to co-host this year’s celebration events on or around October 28, 2024. The upcoming festivities will include NFL Monday Night Football on ABC/ESPN, ensuring a day filled with unity, gratitude, and exhilarating sports action.

Let’s maintain this spirit of gratitude. Let’s honor our First Responders not only on National First Responders Day, but every day. They deserve no less.

Looking Forward – The 2024 Celebration Event Plans are Underway

If you wish to play a part in this series of celebration events within your respective community, TYFRO offers resources including use of the Official Event Logo, Display Banners, Music Video and a step-by-step community involvement plan. Various sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, contact Stan Smith at 954.762.7000 or email sponsor@thankyoufirstresponder.org or visit NationalFirstRespondersDay.org.

Together, let’s foster a Culture of Thank You.

#ThankYouFirstResponder #NationalFirstRespondersDay #CultureOfThankYou