ON THIS DAY – 28TH OCTOBER National First Responders Day Is Observed

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October 28 is being recognized in a growing number of states as “First Responders Day,” and in June, the campaign took a significant step toward becoming a nationally recognized day of appreciation and recognition for our nation’s police, fire, EMS and dispatchers. National First Responders Day on October 28 recognizes the heroic men and women who make it their business to take immediate action when disaster strikes.

Congress designated October 28 as National First Responders Day in 2017. The resolution honors the firefighters, police officers, EMTs, and all those who are first on the scene in stressful situations. Notably, the family of Sean Collier, a police officer ambushed and murdered during events related to the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, supported the resolution.

On June 7, 2019, a resolution passed in the U.S. Senate that designated Oct. 28, 2019, as Honoring the Nation’s First Responders Day. First responders put their lives on the line to keep us safe. First responders across the nation work tirelessly during times of crisis, often putting their own lives at risk to save others.

First responders are dedicated to protecting our communities, and deserve to be recognized for the sacrifices they have made to keep each and every one of us safe.

First responders are the first ones to respond to a crisis. They’re the first people on the scene. They risk their lives to keep us all safe and save the lives of others. They courageously put others before themselves. Police, firefighters and emergency medical personnel pay a high price for their prompt response to the needs of others.

Since 9/11, many states have designated a First Responders Day but attempts by several different individuals and organizations to establish a national day celebrating all First Responders have not materialized. After the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013, Andrew Collier, the brother of the gunned down MIT police officer Sean Collier, reignited a movement to honor our nation’s First Responders.

First Responders are the last to seek recognition for their work and service to the community. Without hesitation, they respond to emergencies as we are running away from them and bring order to any chaotic situation. Media attention and news headlines only provide a glimpse into the role of First Responders, but it’s what they do every day that truly makes them deserve the recognition.

85% of first responders report experiencing symptoms associated with mental health issues. 34% of first responders have been diagnosed with a mental health disorder. More than 90% of first responders are consistently exposed to traumatic events.