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.
Firefighters, police officers, paramedics, and emergency medical technicians can access these perks with their work IDs in person, or get SheerID, ID.me, or VerifyPass verification discounts online. These freebies and savings include things like free food and discounts on clothing, cosmetics, and home goods. Offers, prices, savings, and local participation may vary.
National First Responders Day Deals
National First Responders Day is an annual daylong event that includes freebies to first responders. It honors firefighters, police officers, paramedics, and other first responders with freebies at national chain restaurants all day long. These range in value from free cookies to free entrees. Most of the deals don’t require any purchase, but they do require you to present an ID. National First Responders Day happens every year on Oct. 28. Count on it — National First Responders Day is always on Oct. 28. Next year, that means the event will take place on Wednesday, Oct.
Specific deals for National First Responders Day 2025 have been reported: - From Monday, October 27 through Sunday, November 2, participating locations offer 15% off dine-in entrées to first responders (firefighters, police, paramedics, EMTs, 911 dispatchers, public health and emergency medical personnel). On Tuesday, October 28, get a choice of a FREE Mozzarella Sticks appetizer or a Brownie Bite dessert when dining in. - Get 15% off food and drinks at participating locations. - Rewards Members who verify first responder status via ID.me receive a FREE Medium Hook & Ladder with purchase of another Medium Hook & Ladder. - A 10% discount for first responders in uniform and military (excludes alcohol), plus a complimentary American Standard Burger on 10/28. - Get 10 free boneless wings when you buy any 10 wings at participating locations. - Eligible first responders can enjoy a free doughnut and brewed coffee with valid ID or badge at participating shops (including drive-thru). - First responders save 10% every day. - RaceTrac Rewards members who verify employment with ID.me get a FREE Red Bull. - First responders can also enjoy a free coffee, fountain drink, or frozen drink every day. - On Tuesday, 10/28, first responders can get a free Garden Bar entrée or add-on. Use code FIRST2025. - Free Pork Big Deal for first responders. - Select locations offer a free meal from a special menu for first responders on 10/28.
Year-Round 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.
- 7-Eleven: First responders that verify their eligibility through ID.me can receive 5¢ off per gallon on fuel through a loyalty program.
Retail and Grooming Discounts
Numerous retailers provide percentage-based discounts on clothing, cosmetics, and grooming tools for first responders. Verification is typically required through an identity verification service.
- Adidas – Heroes Get Rewarded: Verified medical professionals, first responders, nurses, and military members get 30% off their purchases both online and in stores and 20% off at factory outlet stores. Professional verification is required via ID.me. Not valid with other promotions.
- The Cut Buddy: Offers a First Responders Discount of 25% off.
Meal Kit and Food Service Discounts
Several meal kit and food delivery services offer significant discounts for first responders, often requiring ID.me verification.
- Blue Apron Heroes Special: Blue Apron is showing its appreciation to doctors, nurses, hospital employees, first responders, teachers, and military personnel by offering $110 off the first four boxes with free shipping on the first box. All you need to do is go through the ID.me verification process.
- EveryPlate – 75% Off 1st Box + FREE Shipping + On-Going 15% Discount: First responders can take advantage of EveryPlate’s Heroes Discount. You’ll receive 75% off your first box plus FREE shipping. Any shipments after that are 15% off.
- Green Chef – discount varies: The Green Chef first responders discount is sizeable, but you must first verify through ID.me.
- Home Chef – 50% Off the 1st Box + 10% On-Going Discount: First responders can get a deal on Home Chef meal services. Verify your status with ID.me to snag the discount.
- Mighty Meals – 15% Off: Frontline medical workers can score 15% off an order from Mighty Meals.
- The Farmer’s Dog – 70% Off 1st Box: First responders are eligible to receive 70% off their 1st box from The Farmer’s Dog. Discount is valid for a max discount up to $15.
- Thrive Market – FREE Year-Long Membership: First responders can access Thrive Market FREE for an entire year. Members save, on average, up to 30% on groceries.
Travel, Outdoor, and Lifestyle Discounts
Discounts extend to travel, outdoor gear, and lifestyle services.
- Chaco: If you’re looking for outdoor-focused footwear and accessories as a nurse, medical provider, first responder or military member, you can get 20% off at Chaco using ID.me. Keep in mind that teachers can get 25% off orders of $49.99+. Health care workers can use the code SUPERHERO20 for 20% off online footwear purchases.
- Heroes Vacation Club: Offers travel benefits exclusive to first responders. Save up to 60% on hotels, car rentals, cruises & activities.
- Babbel: First responders can score 6 months of FREE language lessons from Babbel.
- Arcade: First responders can get a $20 arcade card for $5 off plus up to 2% cash back. Verify your status with ID.me to snag the discount.
Service and Utility Discounts
Some service providers offer discounts or free trials for first responders.
- AT&T: Eligible nurses and physicians could receive three free months of service for their smartphone or tablet with a FirstNet mobile responder plan.
- Headspace: 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.
Laundry and Cleaning Services
In select areas, laundry and cleaning services have offered temporary freebies to frontline workers.
- 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.
Entertainment and Virtual Offers
During the shutdown, some entertainment venues offered virtual experiences.
- 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.
Verification and Access Methods
Access to these offers generally requires proof of employment or status. This can be done in person with a work ID or online through verification platforms. The most commonly mentioned platforms are SheerID, ID.me, and VerifyPass. Each company has its own policy as to which occupations or status (active vs retired) qualify for their discount. First responders that may qualify for discounts include, but are not limited to: State & Local Police Officers, Federal Law Enforcement, Firefighters, Search & Rescue, Paramedics & EMTs.
Important Considerations
It is important to note that many of the specific offers listed above, such as those for Starbucks, Circle K, and Tide Cleaners, are cited with past expiration dates (e.g., 2020, 2020, April 2020). This indicates that while the structure of these offers exists, the specific details and availability are subject to change. Consumers should always verify current offers directly with the brands. The documentation provides conflicting details about whether a purchase is required for some offers, as some deals are stated to require a purchase (e.g., "with purchase of another Medium Hook & Ladder") while others are explicitly "no purchase required." For the most accurate and current information, first responders should check the official websites of the brands they are interested in or use a verified discount aggregator site that updates offers in real-time.
Conclusion
First responders have access to a diverse ecosystem of freebies and discounts across food, retail, meal kits, travel, and services. The cornerstone of many year-round offers is verification through platforms like ID.me, while National First Responders Day on October 28 serves as a major annual event with widespread restaurant promotions. Eligibility is typically extended to firefighters, police officers, paramedics, EMTs, and other emergency personnel, often requiring a valid work ID or digital verification. While many offers are available nationwide, participation can vary by location. Consumers are advised to check for current offers and specific terms directly with the participating brands, as promotions and expiration dates can change.