Sangamon Sun

Every year on October 28th, the nation comes together to honor the men and women who serve as first responders. National First Responders Day recognizes 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.

First responders are crucial for public safety, whether fighting fires, responding to accidents, or arriving at natural disasters. They work under extreme conditions to save lives and restore order. The day serves as a reminder of their invaluable contributions and sacrifices.

"Our first responders, the majority of whom are volunteers are who we count on to keep our communities safe," said Rep. Rosenthal. "Their professionalism undoubtedly saves lives, and we owe them a debt of gratitude for protecting citizens across the nation."

National First Responders Day was officially recognized by Congress in 2017. In recent years, particularly during crises like the recent storm surge damage in the Southeastern United States, their role has become more visible.

According to FEMA, there are an estimated 4.6 million career and volunteer first responders across the United States. This includes about 1.1 million firefighters, with most being volunteers; around 800,000 police officers; and over 240,000 paramedics and EMTs. They respond to approximately 240 million calls each year.

First responders face situations that can be terrifying or overwhelming but remain calm due to their training. However, they experience higher levels of stress and PTSD than the general population due to their job's nature. A SAMHSA report states that 30% of first responders develop behavioral health conditions compared to 20% in the general population.

The mental toll on these individuals is significant as they witness traumatic events regularly. To address this, programs have been developed providing mental health resources specifically for first responders.

Volunteer firefighting districts encounter challenges such as recruitment difficulties due to multiple responsibilities potential volunteers face. The lack of respect for first responders can deter people from volunteering.

In Illinois, the Volunteer Emergency Worker Credit offers a $500 non-refundable tax credit as an incentive for those considering volunteering as firefighters. Supported by House Republicans like Rep. Dan Ugaste—a former firefighter—the effort encourages volunteerism in emergency services crucial for community safety.

Promoting appreciation for first responders impacts their morale positively. Policies like the Volunteer Emergency Worker Credit create a supportive environment encouraging more individuals to serve their communities during emergencies.

Recognizing first responders ensures that they know how much their work means to us all year round—not just during emergencies but also through gestures of appreciation or supporting organizations dedicated to them.

These House Republican legislators have firsthand experience as first responders: Rep. Dan Ugaste is a former volunteer firefighter; Reps John Cabello Patrick Sheehan Dennis Tipsword are certified law enforcement officers; Reps Dan Caulkins Wayne Rosenthal Dan Swanson Blaine Wilhour served in Illinois National Guard.

Resources for First Responders can be found here.