A History of National First Responders Day
In May of 2017, the United States Congress designated the 28th day of October, each year from then on forward, as National First Responders Day. This would be a day to recognize and honor all emergency first responders.
The unofficial origin of this resolution passing can be traced back to the devastating and life-altering events that occurred during the 2013 Boston Marathon Bombing, as well as the events of the proceeding days.
During this domestic terrorist attack - taking place on April 15th of 2013 - 281 men, women, and children were injured and treated across 27 hospitals. Three people’s lives (Krystle Marie Campbell, 29; Lü Lingzi, 23; Martin William Richard, 8) were taken from the bombs directly. Countless lives were impacted.
It was a period in which not only did communities come together, like we so often do in times of despair, but also in which the responses and selfless acts of service from the numerous local, state, federal, and volunteer agencies were depended on and recognized.
The four days to follow filled the local population with apprehension and a sense of paralysis, as the manhunt for those responsible was carried out. Though the bombers were eventually prosecuted, two officers’ lives were taken still. The family of one MIT police officer in particular, Sean Collier - 27, who was ambushed and murdered by the bombers in his patrol vehicle days after, would be the ones who eventually helped establish and support the resolution for a National First Responders Day. The second officer, Dennis Simmonds, also died one year later due to wounds from a confrontation with the bombers (Papadopoulos, 2023).
This year marked the 10th anniversary of those attacks.
Why We Celebrate
Today, we celebrate this recognized holiday to show our endless gratitude for the time, sacrifices, and heart men and women around our nation put forth when they choose to serve on their communities' frontlines. They demonstrate courage and selflessness daily, with the pressing reminder that there are no guarantees of a tomorrow. Their impacts on those they treat, as well as the families of the victims, are lifelong. From firefighters, police officers, and water rescue – to dispatchers and emergency medical technicians – we can never truly repay them. On this day though, we honor them.
Taking Care of First Responders
Though we recognize we can never truly repay these men and women, we do make the promise to do what we can to support them. Titan Machinery is not only a
Military Friendly Employer but a First Responder Friendly Employer as well. What does this mean? It means that when you join the Titan Team, we are invested in taking care of you – from the application review process onward. We value the strength, loyalty, and experiences you come with as a First Responder serving your community, and we want you on our team. We also prioritize providing you with industry-leading health, work, and life benefits and are committed to continuously working to improve. For our volunteer first responders, that
includes special paid time off to fulfill your service commitments.
How You Can Show Appreciation
There are countless ways we can show our support and celebrate these men and women, today and every day. In addition to spreading awareness or sharing stories and information, consider these opportunities below.
- Simply Send Your Thanks
Words can go a long way, especially when going through the extra bit of effort to write them down and send them. Write a note of thanks or bring in treats from a local business as a way of showing your appreciation (and supporting other local businesses in the process!). You never know what kind of smile you might bring someone that day.
- Volunteer
Maybe this speaks to you and becomes something you want to be involved in. Maybe you can’t volunteer in this capacity but want to give your time in other ways. Reach out to your local departments and ask if they have opportunities to volunteer or need assistance in any other formats.
- Make a Donation
Whether it’s checking in with your local departments and asking what their needs are currently or researching existing local foundations that accept donations on behalf of your first responders, there is almost always an opportunity to give.
- Organize a Fundraiser
Though a little more work, the impact goes a long way. Consider organizing your own fundraiser or charity event to support the first responders in your community. Get creative, collaborate with others, and reach out to your community members and businesses to make this a special one!
Our Team Titan Family
Titan Machinery has close to 100 locations across our North American footprint alone. Within many of our dealerships, we have several dedicated individuals who believe in the power of community, and who volunteer their time to their local fire departments, hospitals, and police stations. Below are just a few of the many we are proud to have in our Titan Family.
“We all do it to help the community. It’s what you do in a small town, give back and be a part of something important.”
– Jared Brueggman, Highmore Volunteer Fire and Highmore/Miller/Pierre General Manager