National First Responders Day honors heroes with Jon Stewart hosting Times Square ceremony

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By: Daniel Harris

Jon Stewart brings star power to honor first responders. He’s hosting the 2025 National First Responders Day ceremony. The event happens Tuesday, October 28 at 11 a.m. EST in Times Square. This year features special recognition for Los Angeles wildfire heroes.

🔥 Quick Facts:

  • Jon Stewart announced as host and master of ceremonies for the ceremony.
  • Honorees represent 911 dispatchers, firefighters, police, EMTs, and volunteers nationwide.
  • Event held at Duffy Square in Times Square, New York City.
  • FRCF celebrates its fifth annual National First Responders Day ceremony.
  • Free admission and live-streamed for viewers nationwide.

A Comedy Legend Champions Emergency Heroes

Jon Stewart is no stranger to honoring emergency workers. He’s spent years fighting for 9/11 first responders. His 2019 congressional testimony helped secure permanent funding. Now he brings his advocacy to a national stage.

Stewart said: “It’s an honor to stand side-by-side with the very heroes who keep us safe every day.” He explained that first responders answer chaos with courage. His involvement elevates the celebration beyond typical political events.

“FRCF is so thrilled to have Mr. Stewart lead our 2025 ceremony. His advocacy for first responders, especially those battling 9/11-related illnesses, makes him perfect.”

Jillian Crane, FRCF President & CEO

The First Responders Children’s Foundation (FRCF) organized the event. They serve families and children nationwide. Support comes from SERVPRO, T-Mobile, Holland & Knight, and others.

Who Gets Honored at This Ceremony?

The “Roll Call of Heroes” recognizes extraordinary bravery across multiple disciplines. Winners include individuals from 911 dispatch, firefighting, law enforcement, emergency medical services, and voluntary agencies.

Honorees include:

  • Kayla Gillette Patten (911 Dispatch, Alachua County, Florida): Coordinated response during armed mental health crisis.
  • Josh Jarzab (Firefighter/Paramedic, Twinsburg, Ohio): Rescued 8-month-old baby from burning basement.
  • Cameron Price (Police Officer, Lee’s Summit, Missouri): Stopped violent home assault, protected children on scene.
  • Jason Franks (DEA Group Supervisor, New York): Orchestrated major drug seizures including 3,000+ kilos cocaine.

New this year, the ceremony recognizes Los Angeles wildfire response teams. These heroes fought massive fires affecting Southern California. Individual nominees represent the entire inter-agency response effort.

Why Times Square and Why October 28?

Congress officially designated October 28 as National First Responders Day in 2017. This date honors police officers, firefighters, paramedics, EMTs, and 911 operators nationwide.

Event Details Information
Date Tuesday, October 28, 2025
Time 11:00 AM EST
Location Duffy Square, Times Square, New York City
Admission Free to Public
Presentation Sponsor SERVPRO

Times Square is America’s most iconic location. Hundreds of first responders gather annually. Last year, over 30 governors provided proclamations. This public venue ensures national visibility for these heroes.

What Makes This Ceremony Special This Year?

The 2025 ceremony carries extra significance for several reasons. Los Angeles wildfire responders receive unprecedented national recognition. Jon Stewart’s consistent advocacy makes him uniquely qualified to host.

Stewart has visited firehouses across the country. He’s honored fallen heroes publicly. His genuine connection resonates with first responder families.

The First Responders Children’s Foundation focuses on critical support areas. They provide scholarships and financial assistance grants. Mental health resilience programs help workers manage trauma.

Natural disaster relief reaches impacted families immediately. Community engagement strengthens relationships between organizations and heroes nationwide.

Will You Watch This Historic Celebration?

You can attend live or stream from your home. Duffy Square in Times Square welcomes the public. The ceremony is completely free.

If travel seems impossible, don’t worry about missing out. The event streams live online. Visit 1strcf.org/sound-the-siren for the link. Celebrate these heroes from anywhere.

This ceremony represents what America does best. We recognize extraordinary bravery. We honor those who sacrifice daily for strangers. We tell their stories on history’s biggest stages.

Don’t these heroes deserve your support today? Will you watch or attend?

Sources

  • First Responders Children’s Foundation – Official ceremony details and honoree announcements
  • PR Newswire – Jon Stewart hosting announcement and ceremony information
  • Yahoo Finance – FRCF press release and event coverage

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