Carbondale Reporter

Every year on October 28th, National First Responders Day is observed to honor the firefighters, police officers, paramedics, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), and other emergency personnel who respond to calls for help. These individuals often risk their lives to protect and serve their communities.

Rep. Dan Ugaste (R-Geneva) emphasized the importance of recognizing first responders, stating, "We must always recognize and pay respect to our first responders. These courageous people risk their lives on a daily basis for our safety and security, and it is essential that we provide them with the support and resources they need."

National First Responders Day was officially recognized by Congress in 2017. The role of first responders has become increasingly visible in recent years due to crises like storm surges affecting the Southeastern United States.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) estimates there are approximately 4.6 million career and volunteer first responders across the United States. This includes about 1.1 million firefighters—most of whom are volunteers—approximately 800,000 police officers, and over 240,000 paramedics and EMTs. They respond to around 240 million calls annually.

First responders face challenging situations that can lead to higher levels of stress, anxiety, and PTSD compared to the general population. According to a report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), 30% of first responders develop behavioral health conditions such as depression and PTSD.

Volunteer firefighting districts face challenges with recruitment and retention due to multiple responsibilities faced by potential volunteers. In Illinois, the Volunteer Emergency Worker Credit offers a $500 non-refundable tax credit as an incentive for those considering volunteering as firefighters.

With support from House Republicans and co-sponsorship from legislators like Rep. Dan Ugaste—a former firefighter himself—efforts are being made to encourage volunteerism in emergency services.

National First Responders Day is an opportunity for communities to show appreciation for these everyday heroes through gestures or supporting first responder organizations.