NEW YORK — Every community has its heroes. They are the firefighters who rush into burning buildings, the paramedics who bring calm to moments of chaos, the dispatchers whose voices provide reassurance during life’s darkest emergencies, and the law enforcement officers who answer calls few others would willingly face. While their acts of courage often unfold far from television cameras, the First Responders Children’s Foundation (FRCF) wants to ensure their service does not go unnoticed.
The national nonprofit announced Friday that public nominations are now open for its 2026 National First Responders Day Roll Call of Heroes ceremony, giving Americans the opportunity to recognize first responders whose courage, leadership and dedication have made a lasting difference in their communities. Presented by T-Mobile, the annual event will take place Oct. 28 in New York City’s Times Square, where honorees from across the country will be recognized before a national audience.
This year’s ceremony carries special significance as the Foundation celebrates its 25th anniversary while the nation prepares to observe the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11 and America’s 250th birthday. Together, those milestones offer an opportunity to reflect not only on the heroism displayed during moments of national tragedy but also on the quiet acts of service performed every day by first responders in communities large and small.
For the first time, the Foundation has opened nominations to the public, inviting citizens to recognize hometown heroes whose extraordinary service has strengthened their neighborhoods during the past year.
“As First Responders Children’s Foundation marks our 25th anniversary–and as our nation prepares to honor both the 25th anniversary of 9/11 and America’s 250th birthday–this is a moment for all Americans to recognize the heroes who serve their communities every day,” said First Responders Children’s Foundation President & CEO Jillian Crane.
Crane added, “For the first time ever, we’re opening National First Responders Day nominations to the public and inviting people across the country to nominate their hometown heroes for this year’s awards. We’re deeply grateful to T-Mobile for making this possible as our presenting partner of National First Responders Day and helping us transform a day of recognition into a nationwide movement of gratitude for our heroes and their families who serve and sacrifice alongside them.”
Eligible nominees include professionals serving in emergency communications, law enforcement, emergency medical services, career and volunteer fire departments, natural disaster response, first responder leadership and junior first responder programs. Nominations remain open through July 31, with selected honorees receiving an all-expenses-paid trip to New York City for the ceremony in Times Square.
Founded in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 attacks, the First Responders Children’s Foundation was created to support children who lost a first responder parent that day. Over the past quarter century, its mission has expanded to provide scholarships, financial assistance, mental health counseling, natural disaster relief and community engagement programs that serve first responder families nationwide.
The Foundation’s work recognizes an often-overlooked reality: when first responders answer the call, their families serve alongside them. Spouses, children and loved ones shoulder the uncertainty, celebrate the victories and provide strength during the difficult moments that come with careers dedicated to protecting others.
“T-Mobile is honored to collaborate with First Responders Children’s Foundation to recognize the extraordinary first responders who serve their communities every day,” said Mo Katibeh, Chief Marketing Officer of T-Mobile Business Group. “This year’s National First Responders Day is a powerful reminder that the service, courage and commitment of first responders continue to inspire and unite communities across the country. Through initiatives like National First Responders Day and cutting-edge technology like T-Priority, we’re proud to support first responders and their families. We look forward to honoring this year’s Roll Call of Heroes recipients in Times Square this October.”
Recognition alone cannot repay the sacrifices made by first responders, but it can remind them that their service matters. In an era when headlines often focus on division and crisis, taking time to acknowledge those who protect and care for others offers a meaningful way for communities to express gratitude and strengthen the bonds that unite them.
“Gratitude becomes most powerful when it moves beyond words and into action,” said Heartitude founder Bruce Petillo. “Recognizing those who dedicate their lives to protecting others reminds us that every community is strengthened by people willing to serve with courage, compassion and humility. When we honor those heroes, we inspire others to live with that same spirit of service.”
Public nominations for the 2026 National First Responders Day Roll Call of Heroes are open through July 31. Americans are encouraged to nominate first responders whose commitment, courage and compassion have made a lasting impact on the lives of those they serve.
Source: PR Newswire, First Responders Children’s Foundation Opens Public Nominations for 2026 National First Responders Day Roll Call of Heroes Ceremony, June 26, 2026.