This year marks the fifth annual observation of National First Responders Day. First recognized by Congress in 2019, NFRD is a day to honor the service and sacrifice of those answering the call in their communities.
As you look to promote the life-saving work of your organization’s members for NFRD, we’ve compiled a list of ways departments can spotlight their value and commitment to the community.
1. Alert the media
Don’t assume your local newspaper, TV stations, podcasts or other local influencers will independently realize the significance of the day – or that it even exists; make them understand. Here’s how:
Issue a press release and send it to local radio stations, newspaper offices and television stations. It should explain the history of National First Responders Day, how your organization is celebrating and why the community should care.
| 📝 Need help? Click here to download a guide for writing a National First Responders Day press release for your organization.
2. Plan activities that validate and applaud your organization’s impact
During the week of NFRD, organizations should plan to showcase their members and emphasize their value to the community. Some ideas include:
- Host a “day in the life” social media takeover
Allow first responders from different departments (EMS, police, fire) to take over the organization’s social media accounts for a day. They can share real-time updates, behind-the-scenes looks at their work, and personal stories to humanize the role. - Hold an “Ask Me Anything” social media session
Encourage community members to engage with first responders through the organization’s official channel and answer questions about their role and what they do. - Plan a “First Responder for a Day” program
Offer local influencers, business leaders or government officials the chance to shadow a first responder for a day. This initiative will give them firsthand experience of the challenges and intensity of the work. - Host a first responder-themed community challenge
Create a fitness or wellness challenge that engages the public in an activity related to the work first responders do, such as a stair-climb event or obstacle course.
3. Work with local partners
Local companies often look for ways to engage with customers while promoting a sense of community. You may find that many business owners in your area are open to the idea of donating gift cards or goods that recognize the work of local first responders.
How to start:
- Identify businesses that have local owners, including franchises
- Contact owners to explain the importance of National First Responders Day and the goodwill gesture of supporting local responders
- Request a donation – such as goods, cash or gift cards – that can be bestowed to responders on National First Responders Day
- Share photos and videos of providers receiving the donations and tag the business in social posts
The goal of National First Responders Day is to highlight the impact of first responders in your community and reinforce why citizens should support the work of those on their community’s front lines.
Fill out the form on this page to download a tip sheet for writing a press release about National First Responders Day to spread the news in your community.
