The annual First Responders Children’s Foundation (FRCF) National First Responders Day Roll Call of Heroes ceremony will highlight the extraordinary bravery, sacrifice, and service of America’s first responders, including firefighters, emergency medical service, 911 dispatch, local and federal law enforcement, and volunteer first responders from across the nation.

This year's ceremony carries added significance, marking the 25th anniversary of FRCF and of 9/11, as well as America's 250th birthday.

FRCF to Award 18 Hero Medals

During the ceremony, FRCF will award 18 first responder heroes who represent all disciplines across the nation. They will stand on behalf of the entire profession and receive Hero Medals honoring their heroic service and providing support to communities throughout the country. New this year, the honors include the First Responder Leadership Award, presented by T-Priority, powered by T-Mobile.

More information about the honorees will be shared closer to the event. The event is open to the public in Times Square and available online via livestream.

Details of the event include:

• When: Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026
• Where: Duffy Square, Times Square
• 10 a.m. - Media Arrival (all media must be credentialed)
• 11 a.m. - Ceremony Begins
• 12 p.m. - Ceremony Concludes

Participants will include:

• Jillian Crane (President and CEO, First Responders Children’s Foundation)
• Jon Stewart (Award-winning host, “The Daily Show”)
• Mo Katibeh (CMO, T-Mobile Business Group; executive leader behind T-Priority, T-Mobile’s first-responder connectivity solution)
• John Feal (9/11 First Responder, award-winning political activist, National First Responders Day event co-chair)
• Cardinal Timothy Dolan (Archbishop Emeritus of New York)
• Roll Call of Heroes Honorees (Details forthcoming)
• Lillian Bonsignore (Commissioner, FDNY)
• Jessica S. Tisch (Commissioner, NYPD)