National First Responders Day, observed annually on October 28, serves as a dedicated occasion for businesses to express gratitude to firefighters, police officers, paramedics, and emergency medical technicians through complimentary offers and discounts. The provided source material details a variety of promotions available on this specific day, as well as extensive year-round discounts spanning automotive, retail, travel, and food sectors. Verification of first responder status is frequently required, often utilizing third-party services such as ID.me or SheerID, or the presentation of valid work identification. While many offers are available nationally, participation may vary by location, necessitating confirmation with individual establishments.
National First Responders Day Food and Beverage Offers
Several restaurant chains participate in National First Responders Day on October 28 by offering free food items or significant discounts to emergency personnel.
Applebee’s Applebee’s offers a two-tiered promotion for first responders during the week of National First Responders Day. * Dates: From Monday, October 27 through Sunday, November 2. * Offer: Participating locations offer a 15% discount on dine-in entrées. * Eligibility: The discount applies to firefighters, police officers, paramedics, EMTs, 911 dispatchers, and public health and emergency medical personnel. * October 28 Specific Offer: On National First Responders Day, Applebee’s provides a free Mozzarella Sticks appetizer or a Brownie Bite dessert with dine-in, in addition to the standard discount.
Firehouse Subs Firehouse Subs offers a Buy One Get One (BOGO) promotion for verified members. * Offer: A free Medium Hook & Ladder sandwich with the purchase of another Medium Hook & Ladder sandwich. * Verification: Participants must be Firehouse Subs Rewards Members and verify their first responder status through ID.me.
Ford’s Garage Ford’s Garage acknowledges first responders with a discount on food and beverages. * Offer: A 10% discount is available for first responders in uniform and military personnel. * Restrictions: The discount does not apply to alcohol.
Smashburger Smashburger participates in National Firefighter Day, which is observed on May 4. * Offer: Firefighters and EMTs receive a free Single Classic Smash burger (valued at approximately $7.19). * Eligibility: The offer extends to fire and rescue services personnel, medics, and paramedics. * Requirements: Participants must present identification proving employment and mention the specific deal. The offer is limited to one per transaction.
Krispy Kreme Krispy Kreme is noted as providing a complimentary product or service to first responders on National First Responders Day.
Dave & Buster’s Dave & Buster’s offers a 15% discount on food and drinks for first responders on October 28.
Year-Round Food and Beverage Discounts
Beyond the specific holiday, several brands offer ongoing discounts for firefighters and first responders.
Fire Dept. Coffee This brand provides a 15% discount to active and retired firefighters. They also contribute to the Fire Dept. Coffee Foundation, which supports injured firefighters.
America’s Dog and Burger On the first Monday of the month, this establishment offers 50% off to all firefighters.
Scholotzsky’s Deli Participating locations of Scholotzsky’s Deli offer a 15% discount to firefighters.
Automotive Discounts for Firefighters
A significant portion of the available discounts pertains to the automotive sector, including vehicle purchases, parts, and accessories.
New Vehicle Purchases * Ford: Offers $500 Appreciation Cash on purchases or leases. * General Motors: Provides savings ranging from $500 to $1,000. * Ram Trucks: Honors both volunteer and career firefighters with a $500 discount on select vehicles. * Volkswagen: Provides a $500 bonus on purchases or leasing.
Auto Parts and Accessories * CaRiD: Offers a 10% discount on all online auto parts orders. * DualLiner: Provides $10 off any bed liner order. * Vivid Racing: Offers special savings on racing accessories, requiring a form submission to determine pricing. * Perrin Performance: Offers special deals on car accessories; discounts are sent via email upon request. * Perrin Performance: Offers special deals on car accessories; discounts are sent via email upon request.
Retail, Apparel, and Lifestyle Discounts
Firefighters are eligible for discounts across a wide range of retail categories, from clothing and electronics to fitness equipment and travel.
Electronics * Apple: Firefighters and other governmental employees can access special pricing on electronic devices for personal use by shopping at the Federal Government Employees Apple Store.
Clothing and Footwear * Reebok: Offers a 50% discount. * Adidas: Provides 30% discounts for online purchases and 20% off for outlet purchases. All first responders are eligible. * Jockey: Offers a 10% discount to active and retired firefighters. * Moosejaw: Provides a 20% discount on backpacks and outdoor gear. * Saddleback Leather: Provides a 10% discount on leather bags and backpacks.
Sports and Fitness * NFL Shop, MLB Shop, NBA Store, NHL Shop: All offer a 15% discount to firefighters, spouses, and immediate family members. * Wilson: Provides a 15% discount to firefighters and their families. * TRX Training: Honors firefighters with 30% off exercise equipment. * Bodybuilding.com: Offers 10% off nutrition selections, workout programs, and supplements. * Pure Formulas: Provides 10% off vitamins and nutrition. * Tough Mudder: Offers 25% discounts on event registrations.
Travel and Leisure * Sandals Resorts: Active police and firefighters can save up to an additional 10% on current promotions. A valid International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) Member ID is required. * Brides Across America: Has given away wedding dresses to first responder brides.
Other Retail * GOVX: Offers membership to uniformed professionals, including military, police, firefighters, and EMS workers, providing up to 65% off over 400 retail brands, tickets, and travel packages.
Insurance and Financial Services
Several companies offer specialized programs for first responders regarding insurance and home financing.
Liberty Mutual Insurance IAFF members receive a 10% discount on auto, motorcycle, home, condo, and renter’s insurance policies.
Union Plus Mortgage Program Union members securing a home loan or refinancing through Wells Fargo Home Mortgage can receive up to $500 in a "My Mortgage Gift" award.
Firearm Discounts
Glock Glock’s Blue Label Program offers discounts on up to two firearms from participating vendors. The discount typically ranges from $75 to $100 depending on the model. Participating vendors can be located via Glock’s dealer locator page.
Verification and Eligibility
Accessing these discounts and freebies generally requires verification of employment status. The source material mentions the following verification methods: * ID.me: Used by Firehouse Subs and mentioned as a standard verification method for online discounts. * SheerID and VerifyPass: Mentioned as common verification services for online deals. * Work ID: Physical work IDs are accepted in person at many establishments. * IAFF Member ID: Required for specific offers, such as those from Sandals Resorts and Liberty Mutual.
Conclusion
National First Responders Day on October 28 is the primary focal point for freebies, featuring specific promotions from Applebee’s, Firehouse Subs, Ford’s Garage, and others. However, the landscape of appreciation for first responders extends well beyond this single day. A robust ecosystem of year-round discounts exists, offering substantial savings on automotive purchases, insurance, fitness gear, apparel, and travel. Eligibility is generally open to firefighters, police officers, paramedics, and EMTs, though verification through ID.me or physical identification is standard. Consumers are advised to check local participation and current terms before attempting to redeem offers.