First responders, including firefighters, police officers, paramedics, and emergency medical technicians, are recognized for their service through a variety of freebies and discounts offered by businesses across the United States. These perks range from complimentary food items to significant savings on retail, travel, and services. Many of these offers are available year-round, while others are specifically tied to National First Responders Day, observed annually on October 28. To access most online or in-store discounts, first responders typically need to verify their status using a work ID or through third-party verification services such as ID.me, SheerID, or VerifyPass. The availability, terms, and participating locations of these offers can vary, and some promotions may have specific expiration dates or eligibility requirements.
National First Responders Day serves as a focal point for many annual promotions. On this day, various national chain restaurants and retailers provide complimentary meals, snacks, and products to honor first responders. For instance, on October 28, first responders can receive a free garden bar entree or add-on at Ruby Tuesday using the code FIRST2025, a free pork big deal at Sonny’s BBQ, or a free meal from a special menu at select TGI Fridays locations. Additionally, Ford’s Garage offers free meals or drinks, Outback Steakhouse provides a 10% discount, and Krispy Kreme gives away a complimentary product or service. These day-specific deals generally require the presentation of a valid first responder ID.
Food and beverage freebies are a prominent category of appreciation for first responders. Several restaurants and manufacturers offer complimentary items, often requiring a valid ID for verification. For example, first responders can enjoy a free coffee, fountain drink, or frozen drink every day at participating locations. Circle K offers free coffee, tea, and Polar Pop to frontline store employees, first responders, and healthcare workers, though this offer may vary by market. Cumberland Farms provides free hot or iced coffee for healthcare workers, first responders, and military personnel. Other food-related offers include a free small combo meal at company-owned Checkers & Rally's locations for those in uniform, and Thank You meals at McDonald's, though the latter appears to be a past promotion. For those interested in meal delivery services, there are substantial discounts available. EveryPlate offers 75% off the first box plus free shipping and an ongoing 15% discount. Home Chef provides 50% off the first box and a 10% ongoing discount, while The Farmer’s Dog offers 70% off the first box (up to a $15 maximum discount). Green Chef and Mighty Meals also offer discounts for first responders, with Mighty Meals providing 15% off.
Retail and apparel discounts are widely available for first responders, covering categories from clothing to electronics and outdoor gear. Academy Sports + Outdoors offers a seasonal discount of 10% off the entire purchase online or in-store from October 19 to November 11. Asics provides 25% off qualifying full-priced footwear and 30% off qualifying full-priced clothing and accessories. Bonobos offers 20% off, and Cheap Caribbean provides $150 off a vacation. Clothing retailers such as Docker’s, which offers a 25% discount on all apparel, and J. Crew, which provides 15% off with a valid ID, show support for first responders and medical professionals. Other retail discounts include 10% off every day at ATKINS, 15% off at Drunk Elephant, and 10% off orders of $75 or more at Huel.
In addition to food and retail, first responders can access discounts on travel, services, and educational programs. For travel, the Heroes Vacation Club offers savings of up to 60% on hotels, as well as deals on airfare, car rentals, activities, and cruises. For automotive needs, 7-Eleven offers 5¢ off per gallon of fuel for first responders who verify their eligibility through ID.me. Insurance discounts are also available; Liberty Mutual provides a 12% savings on auto and home insurance for members of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) and the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP). Educational opportunities include a 25% tuition discount at Liberty University. Entertainment and wellness offers include 6 months of free language lessons from Babbel, 50% off an annual subscription to Fender Play, and a monthly rate of $3.99 for Peacock streaming services for the first 12 months. For fitness, Pvolve offers a 15% Health Heroes discount, and Santikos Entertainment provides a $5 deal every Monday that includes tickets, a large popcorn, and a large drink. Smile Club also offers a 15% discount for first responders.
Verification is a key component for accessing many of these discounts, particularly those offered online. Services like ID.me, SheerID, and VerifyPass are commonly used to confirm first responder status. This process ensures that exclusive deals are reserved for eligible individuals. While many offers are national, some may be limited to specific locations or require direct verification with the participating brand. Consumers are advised to check the specific terms and conditions of each offer, as prices, savings, and local participation may vary.
Conclusion
First responders have access to a wide array of freebies and discounts across food, retail, travel, and service categories, with a significant concentration of offers available on National First Responders Day each October 28. These benefits, which require verification through work IDs or digital platforms, serve as a token of appreciation for the vital services these individuals provide. While many offers are available year-round, the annual observance provides an opportunity for businesses to offer enhanced promotions. Consumers should verify eligibility requirements and offer details directly with the participating brand, as terms and availability are subject to change.