First responders across the United States have access to a wide variety of free offers, discounted services, and promotional deals designed to show appreciation for their service. These offers range from free food and beverages to discounts on travel, insurance, clothing, and grooming products. Eligibility typically requires valid identification, such as a work ID, or verification through third-party services like SheerID, ID.me, or VerifyPass. While many offers are available year-round, specific promotions are often tied to National First Responders Day, observed annually on October 28.
Food and Beverage Freebies
Various restaurants and food manufacturers offer complimentary meals and snacks to first responders and healthcare workers. These offers generally require the presentation of a valid work ID when redeeming in person.
- Starbucks: The coffee chain offered free tall brewed coffee to front line responders through May 3, 2020.
- Circle K: This retailer provided free coffee, tea, and Polar Pop items to frontline store employees, first responders, and healthcare workers. It was noted that the offer may vary by market location.
- Cumberland Farms: Offers free hot or iced coffee to healthcare workers, first responders, and military personnel.
- McDonald's: Participating locations offered free Thank You meals to first responders and healthcare workers through May 5, 2020.
- Checkers & Rally's: Company-owned locations nationwide provided free small combo meals to health care workers and first responders dressed in uniform.
- Snickers: A promotion allowed users to give a free Snickers to an essential worker in the form of a $1.00 Walmart eGift card via text.
- National First Responders Day: On October 28 each year, national chain restaurants typically offer freebies ranging from free cookies to free entrees. Most of these deals do not require a purchase but do require an ID.
Travel and Accommodation Offers
First responders can find specific travel benefits, including free rooms and discounted bookings, particularly useful for those needing to self-quarantine or seeking vacation deals.
- Red Roof Inn: The hotel chain offered free rooms to first responders who needed to self-quarantine away from their families. Availability was limited, and the offer required calling participating hotels directly.
- Heroes Vacation Club: This service offers travel benefits exclusively to first responders, including deals on accommodations, airfare, car rentals, activities, and cruises. Members can save up to 60% on hotels. When signing up, users must select "Badge Discounts" as their organization.
- CheapCarribean.com: First responders can receive $150 off a beach vacation through the "Rescue2Relax Club" deal year-round.
- SeaWorld Orlando (Predicted): For National First Responders Day in 2026, it is predicted that SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, or Adventure Island may offer free one-day admission tickets to first responders, including firefighters, EMTs, and law enforcement.
Automotive and Vehicle Services
Several automotive brands and service providers offer free maintenance and cleaning services for first responders.
- Mazda: Participating Mazda dealers nationwide offered free oil changes and enhanced vehicle cleaning services for U.S. health care workers. This offer was available for most makes and models, not just Mazda vehicles.
- Wyndham Rewards: The loyalty program offered a free Gold membership upgrade to all essential workers.
Health, Wellness, and Technology
Mental health support, laundry services, and mobile connectivity are among the wellness and technology offers available.
- Headspace: U.S. healthcare professionals working in public health settings received free access to the Headspace Plus app through the end of 2020. Redemption required an NPI number or appropriate documentation.
- Tide Cleaners: In select participating cities, free laundry service was provided to front line responders.
- CD One Price Cleaners: This service offered 20 lbs of free Wash & Fold Laundry every week through the end of April for healthcare workers, police, firefighters, and EMTs.
- AT&T: Eligible nurses and physicians could receive three free months of service for their smartphone or tablet with a FirstNet mobile responder plan.
- Chippendales: During the shutdown, the Chippendales offered free virtual parties for healthcare workers and first responders. Additionally, those who purchased tickets to postponed shows received a free virtual party.
Retail and Grooming Discounts
Numerous retailers provide percentage-based discounts on clothing, cosmetics, and grooming tools for first responders.
- The Cut Buddy: Offers a First Responders Discount of 25% off. The brand provides grooming tools such as the Cut Buddy Shaping Tool, Trim Buddy, and clippers, which are noted as portable and convenient for first responders.
- Academy Sports + Outdoors: Expected to offer a 10% discount online and in-store for National First Responders Day.
- Asics: Offers 25% off full-priced footwear and 30% off full-priced clothing and accessories.
- Atkins Nutritionals: Provides 10% off at Atkins.com every day.
- Boden: First responders receive 20% off orders and free shipping on orders over $49 year-round.
- Bonobos: Offers a 20% discount on apparel.
- Dockers: Saves 20% on apparel.
- Drunk Elephant: Provides a 15% discount.
- Huel: Offers 10% off on all purchases of $75 or more.
- J.Crew: Provides 15% off purchases at JCrew.com year-round.
- J.Crew Factory: Saves 15% on purchases.
Insurance and Financial Services
Insurance providers offer specific savings for first responders who are members of certain organizations.
- Liberty Mutual: First responders who are members of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) or the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) can save 12% on auto and home insurance. IAFF members should use group discount #110032, and FOP members should use #120824 when receiving a free quote online.
Verification and Access
To access online discounts, first responders often need to verify their status through specific platforms. The sources mention SheerID, ID.me, and VerifyPass as common verification methods used by retailers to confirm eligibility for exclusive discounts and freebies. In-person offers typically require a valid work ID.
Conclusion
First responders have access to a diverse array of freebies and discounts across food, travel, automotive, wellness, and retail sectors. While many offers are available year-round, the most extensive list of deals often appears around National First Responders Day on October 28. To redeem these offers, first responders should be prepared to present valid identification or complete verification through designated third-party services.