First responders—including firefighters, police officers, paramedics, and emergency medical technicians—receive recognition through various discounts and freebies from businesses nationwide. These offers span multiple categories including food, retail, travel, technology, fitness, and home goods. Most programs require verification through official identification or specialized verification services such as ID.me, SheerID, or VerifyPass. While many deals are available year-round, additional promotions emerge specifically around National First Responders Day, observed annually on October 28.
National First Responders Day Overview
National First Responders Day serves as a dedicated occasion to honor emergency personnel with special freebies and discounts. The event occurs every year on October 28, with participating businesses offering values ranging from complimentary cookies to full entrees. Most deals require presentation of a valid work ID but do not necessitate any purchase. The day provides opportunities for first responders to access free meals at national chain restaurants and receive appreciation from communities they serve.
Food and Beverage Discounts
Multiple restaurant chains and food service providers offer first responder discounts throughout the year.
Restaurant Chains and Meal Deals
Firehouse Subs provides a free beverage with meal purchase for police officers, EMTs, and firefighters. The company maintains strong ties to the first responder community and donates portions of sales to the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, which funds lifesaving equipment for emergency personnel.
Texas de Brazil extends a 15% discount to first responders, while Chevys and other XRG restaurants provide 20% off meals. Outback Steakhouse offers verified first responders a 10% discount. Carrabba's Italian Grill provides a 10% Heroes Discount for service members and first responders with any visit. Dave & Busters offers a 15% discount on food and drinks for verified first responders.
Ford's Garage offers free meals or drinks on National First Responders Day. Blue Apron provides first responders $110 off their first five boxes of meal kits.
Specialty Food and Beverage Products
Fire Department Coffee offers a lifetime 15% discount to active military, veterans, first responders, and emergency dispatchers. Krispy Kreme provides complimentary products on National First Responders Day.
Retail and Apparel Discounts
First responders can access savings on clothing, footwear, and general merchandise through various retailers.
Clothing and Footwear
Academy Sports & Outdoors offers a 10% in-store discount for first responders from October 19 through November 1 each year, aligning with National First Responders Day promotions.
ID.me Government verification provides exclusive offers from major brands including Adidas, Nike, and Ray-Ban. These deals require verification through the ID.me platform to unlock savings.
Home Goods and Furniture
Purple offers a 10% discount on mattresses, beds, pillows, and related products for law enforcement, EMTs, paramedics, and firefighters. Applicants must complete an online form to demonstrate eligibility.
Tuft & Needle provides a 15% discount on mattresses for first responders, healthcare workers, active military members, and veterans. Leesa offers a 15% discount for first responders, healthcare professionals, teachers, and military members.
Lovesac maintains a Heroes Discount Program that provides active first responders with a 5% discount on furniture and accessories.
Technology and Electronics Savings
Technology companies recognize first responders with substantial discounts on devices, services, and equipment.
Cell Phone Services
AT&T offers cell phone service at 25% off specifically for first responders. T-Mobile provides discounted cell service, including a four-line Magenta plan for $100 per month. Verizon Wireless offers first responder cell phone plans, with a four-line Start Unlimited plan available for $120 per month.
Electronics and Devices
Samsung provides 30% off a wide array of products including smartphones, laptops, tablets, and audio equipment for first responders. Bose offers special discounts on audio equipment purchases over $199.
Ring extends 20% off smart doorbells and home security products to first responders. Abt Electronics gives discounts ranging from $50 to $500 for first responders.
Travel and Hospitality Benefits
Travel-related discounts include hotel accommodations, resort stays, and vehicle purchases.
Hotel and Resort Accommodations
Heroes Vacation Club offers travel benefits exclusively to first responders, with savings up to 60% off hotels. Members can book deals on accommodations, airfare, car rentals, activities, and cruises. Applicants must select "Badge Discounts" as their organization when signing up.
Caesars Entertainment allows first responders to take up to 30% off stays at over 30 Caesars locations. Beaches Resorts offers an additional 10% off special promotions to first responders and military service members. The Rescue2Relax Club features all-inclusive beach deals exclusively for first responders.
Vehicle Purchases
Dodge Ram offers a $500 discount on select 2024, 2025, and 2026 models for verified first responders. Ford Motor Company provides verified first responders with a cash reward toward purchase or lease of new vehicles. General Motors offers first responders up to $1,000 off select vehicle makes and models.
Fitness and Wellness Discounts
Fitness centers and wellness product manufacturers provide discounted memberships and products.
Gym Memberships and Equipment
Gold's Gym offers reduced enrollment fees and discounted monthly dues to first responders. Therabody provides a 20% discount on devices and topical products designed for muscle injury recovery.
Home and Garden Tools
Husqvarna gives first responders (active and retired) a 10% discount on home and garden tools, available through local dealers.
Health and Supplement Savings
GNC offers first responders, military members, veterans, teachers, nurses, and students a 10% discount on supplements, vitamins, and other products.
Insurance and Financial Services
Liberty Mutual provides first responders who are members of IAFF (International Association of Fire Fighters) and FOP (Fraternal Order of Police) with 12% savings on auto and home insurance. IAFF members use group discount #110032, and FOP members use group #120824 when receiving a free quote online in under 10 minutes.
Verification and Access Methods
First responders typically need to verify their status to access discounts and freebies. Common verification methods include:
- Presenting work ID in person at retail locations
- Using SheerID verification for online discounts
- Verifying through ID.me platform
- Utilizing VerifyPass verification services
The specific verification method depends on the participating business and whether the offer is claimed in-store or online.
Year-Round Availability vs. Special Occasion Promotions
Many first responder discounts are available throughout the year, while others are specifically tied to National First Responders Day on October 28. Year-round offers include ongoing discounts from technology companies, insurance providers, and retail establishments. Special occasion promotions often feature enhanced values or additional freebies, such as complimentary meals at restaurants or exclusive product samples.
Local and Regional Variations
Discount availability may vary by location and participating establishments. Some businesses offer local first responder discounts through specific organizations, while others provide national programs. First responders should verify participation at their local establishments and check for regional promotions through organizations such as BadgeDiscounts.com and Lifesaver Savings, which maintain comprehensive directories of available deals.
Comprehensive Discount Resources
Several organizations compile and maintain extensive lists of first responder discounts:
BadgeDiscounts.com offers a comprehensive directory of hundreds of deals and freebies for police, firefighters, and EMTs across categories including apparel, gear, travel, food, and more. The platform has provided first responder discounts since 2015.
Lifesaver Savings features an ultimate guide with hundreds of brand discounts for first responders across categories including retail, electronics, automotive, and travel.
These resources help first responders discover available offers and navigate verification requirements for various programs.
Conclusion
First responders have access to an extensive network of discounts and freebies across food, retail, technology, travel, fitness, and home goods categories. Most programs require verification through official identification or specialized platforms such as ID.me, SheerID, or VerifyPass. While many discounts are available year-round, National First Responders Day on October 28 provides additional opportunities for freebies and enhanced promotions. First responders should consult comprehensive directories like BadgeDiscounts.com and Lifesaver Savings to discover current offers and understand verification requirements for participating businesses. Availability and participation may vary by location, so checking with local establishments is recommended.