In 2017, Congress designated October 28th National First Responders Day. For the last six years, First Responders Children’s Foundation has hosted the Roll Call of Heroes in the heart of Times Square, commemorating National First Responders Day with a powerful public ceremony. This event shines a national spotlight on the extraordinary bravery, sacrifice, and service of America’s first responders — including police officers, firefighters, EMTs, 911 dispatchers, and correctional officers from across the United States.

In 2025 the Roll Call of Heroes ceremony was hosted by iconic Jon Stewart,  honored 15 heroes from across the U.S., and received proclamations from 41 governors.

More than just a ceremony, the National First Responders Day is a rallying point for public gratitude and the Roll Call of Heroes is a call to action — reminding the nation of the critical role first responders play, and the importance of supporting the families they leave behind each time they answer the call.