The GOVX Guide to the 2025
National First Responders Day Ceremony
Hosted by the First Responders Children’s Foundation, the celebration goes down in NYC.
National First Responders Day was established to honor the firefighters, police officers, EMTs, paramedics, and all responders who've put their lives on the line to protect our communities. Originally recognized by Congress in 2017, October 28th has been properly established as a day to salute their courage, dedication, and sacrifice, and to remind us all that freedom and safety are defended not just abroad, but right here at home.
For the 5th annual celebration in New York City, the First Responders Children’s Foundation has organized an unbelievable lineup of performers, speakers, and special presentations, highlighted by actor, comedian, talk show host, and noted first responder supporter Jon Stewart as this year’s MC. On behalf of GOVX, we’re proud to support this incredible as event a Bronze-level partner and contribute to such a historic and heartwarming day.
THE DETAILS
2025 NATIONAL FIRST RESPONDERS DAY CEREMONY
Tuesday, October 28th, 2025
10:30AM EDT - Arrivals | 11 to 12PM EDT - Roll Call of Heroes
Duffy Square (between 7th Ave + W. 47th St.) - New York, NY
THE ROLL CALL OF HEROES
The National First Responders Day Roll Call of Heroes ceremony honors the extraordinary service of firefighters, EMS personnel, 911 dispatchers, law enforcement officers, and volunteer first responders from across the nation. New this year, the ceremony will pay tribute to those who bravely banded together to fight the Los Angeles-area wildfires.
THIS YEAR'S HONOREES
Kayla Gillette Patten
Communications (911 Dispatch)
Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, Gainesville, FL
On March 16, 2025, Kayla Gillette Patten served as the lead dispatcher during a tense mental health crisis in which a suspect opened fire from his apartment. Managing numerous 911 calls, she coordinated the police response, stayed on the line for hours, and provided real-time updates until the suspect surrendered.
Officer Cameron Price
Local Law Enforcement
Lee's Summit Police Department,
Lee's Summit, MO
On May 15, 2025, Officer Price responded alone to a home invasion in progress. Inside, he found a suspect assaulting a woman while her two young children looked on. Acting without backup, Officer Price intervened, subdued the suspect, and took him into custody.
Group Supervisor Jason Franks
Federal Law Enforcement
Drug Enforcement Administration,
New York Division
In 2025, Group Supervisor Franks led multiple large-scale drug seizure operations, totaling more than 3,000 kilos of cocaine. He also coordinated the successful extraditions of several high-ranking drug cartel leaders.
EMS Acting Sgt. Aaron Dossey
Emergency Medical Services
Fern Creek Fire Department,
Fern Creek,, KY
In March 2025, while on vacation with his family, EMS Acting Sergeant Aaron Dossey spotted a young boy unresponsive underwater. Acting swiftly, he pulled the boy to safety and performed CPR until the child regained consciousness. By the time paramedics arrived, the boy was breathing and alert.
Firefighter/EMT Josh Jarzab
Firefighter
Twinsburg Fire Department,
Twinsburg, OH
On August 17, 2025, Josh Jarzab and his department responded to a basement fire at a residence and were informed en route that a baby was trapped inside. Upon arrival, Jarzab located the 8-month-old, protected him from smoke inhalation, and carried him
to safety.
Firefighter Dusty Block
Volunteer Fire
Mountain Home Volunteer Fire Dept.,
Mountain Home, TX
On July 4, 2025, Dusty Block and his volunteer fire crew responded to severe flooding in Texas Hill Country, conducting rescues at homes and camps. By the day’s end, Block had helped save 30 people and provided aid to more than 150 others.
Firefighter Jiya Jadhav
Junior First Responder
New Hyde Park Fire Department,
New Hyde Park, NY
On March 18, 2025, Jiya Jadhav was named the 2025 National Junior Firefighter of the Year by the National Volunteer Fire Council. She serves as first lieutenant with the Hyde Park Junior Fire Department.
NEW YORK CITY COMMUNITY HEROES
Firefighter Nick Schneider
Firefighter
Fire Department of the City of New York,
New York, NY
On January 2, 2025, while off duty, Nick Schneider rescued a woman who had fallen unconscious onto subway tracks near Central Park. After lifting her to safety on the platform, he pulled himself up just seconds before a train entered the station.
Officer Rich Wong
Police Officer
New York City Police Department,
New York, NY
On November 19, 2024, Officer Rich Wong was attempting to apprehend a suspect involved in an armed robbery and shooting when he was struck in the leg. Despite his injury, Officer Wong returned fire and neutralized the suspect.
Officers Scott Gulick & Christopher Capozzoli
MTA Officers
Metropolitan Transportation Authority
Police Department,
New York, NY
On March 27, 2025, Officers Gulick and Capozzoli intervened in a violent altercation on a train platform. They disarmed a suspect armed with a nine-inch knife and saved a victim who had been stabbed multiple times, taking the assailant into custody.
The First Responders Children’s Foundation, in partnership with SERVPRO, is proud to present a special honor for Natural Disaster Response, recognizing the collective efforts of the inter-agency teams during the Los Angeles wildfires. Selected nominees will represent their entire community, chosen by their superiors for this distinguished recognition:
● Officer Jonathan Tom, Los Angeles Police Dept.
● Fire Captain Joshua Swaney, County of Los Angeles Fire Dept.
● Executive Officer of Administrative Operations Shawn Tukua, Los Angeles Fire Dept.
● Commander Jabari Williams, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Dept.
LIVESTREAM INFORMATION
For those unable to attend in person, the entirety of the event will be available to stream live on October 28th, 2025 starting at 11:00AM EDT.
OTHER WAYS TO GIVE
Do you part to help support those in need by making a donation today. Your generous support provides critical assistance to first responder families facing financial hardship due to unforeseen tragedies.