Freebies And Discounts For Us First Responders

U.S. first responders—firefighters, police officers, paramedics, and emergency medical technicians—play a critical role in keeping communities safe. In recognition of their service, a growing number of brands, retailers, and entertainment venues offer exclusive freebies, discounts, and special perks to these essential workers. These offers range from free food and retail discounts to entertainment passes and health and wellness benefits. For first responders, accessing these perks can provide a much-needed respite or practical savings without requiring purchases or complex processes.

This article compiles verified, structured information about the free samples, promotional offers, and no-cost product trials available to first responders across a variety of categories, including food, clothing, health, entertainment, and household goods. The information is drawn solely from the provided source materials and reflects actual verified offers from the brands and organizations mentioned.

National First Responders Day and Annual Freebies

National First Responders Day is observed annually on October 28 and is a significant occasion when a wide array of freebies and discounts are made available to eligible first responders. On this day, many national chain restaurants offer complimentary food items such as free cookies, entrees, or full meals. These offers typically require valid work identification and are provided in appreciation of the services of firefighters, police officers, paramedics, and other emergency personnel.

For example, on National First Responders Day, first responders can enjoy free food at various restaurants, including full meals in some cases. These offers are usually available in-person only, and there is no requirement for a purchase to access the free items. The next National First Responders Day will be on October 28, 2026, and it is expected that similar promotions will be offered by participating restaurants and retailers.

Retail Discounts for First Responders

Numerous retail brands offer year-round or seasonal discounts specifically for first responders. These discounts can be accessed online or in-store, depending on the brand’s policy and the verification method required. Below is a categorized list of verified retail discounts available to first responders.

Clothing and Apparel

First responders can enjoy a range of discounts on clothing and footwear through the following brands:

• Academy Sports + Outdoors: Offers a 10% discount on National First Responders Day. This discount is available both in-store and online.
• Asics: Provides 25% off full-priced footwear and 30% off full-priced clothing and accessories for first responders.
• Boden: Offers a 20% discount on orders, with free shipping on orders over $49.
• Bonobos: Provides a 20% discount on apparel and related items.
• Dockers: Offers 20% off on apparel for first responders.
• J.Crew: Provides a 15% discount on purchases at JCrew.com all year long.
• J.Crew Factory: Offers a 15% discount at J.Crew Factory.
• Levi Strauss & Co.: Provides discounts to first responders (availability varies by location).

Some of these discounts require verification through services like SheerID, ID.me, or VerifyPass, depending on the brand.

Footwear and Accessories

• DC Shoes: Offers 15% off select online orders to first responders who verify through SheerID.
• Dickies: Provides a 20% discount on total purchases for active first responders who verify using SheerID.
• Gerber Gear: Offers product discounts and free shipping on orders over $50 for full-time first responders.
• Joe Bob Outfitters: Provides a 5% discount to active and retired law enforcement officers, firefighters, and paramedics.

These discounts are generally available both in-store and online, provided the verification process is completed successfully.

Health and Wellness

• Drunk Elephant: Offers a 15% discount on beauty products for first responders.
• Huel: Provides a 10% discount on orders of $75 or more.
• HYLETE: Offers up to 30% off select gear for first responders who subscribe to the HYLETE Service League and verify through GovX.
• Jockey: Provides a 10% discount to active and retired first responders who verify through ID.me.

These discounts are typically accessed online and may require a verification step.

Entertainment and Leisure Discounts

First responders are also eligible for entertainment and leisure discounts at various venues and services:

• SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, and Adventure Island: On National First Responders Day in 2026, first responders can expect to receive a free one-day admission ticket via email. This includes access to all four parks.
• Perot Museum of Nature and Science: Offers free admission to U.S. first responders with valid ID, and $3 off for dependents. Restrictions apply.
• Shedd Aquarium (Chicago): Provides free general admission to police officers and firefighters who present a valid ID.
• Sky Zone Trampoline Park: Offers discounted tickets for first responders, with discounts varying per location.
• Stratz Center: Provides two discounted tickets on select shows for individual first responders with valid ID. This offer is not available online or over the phone.
• Whitewater Rafting Adventures: Offers a 15% discount on admission fees for first responders, with proof of employment or ID required.
• Ticket Club: Provides a free membership for EMTs, police officers, and firefighters who verify their eligibility through ID.me.
• Sword & Plough: Offers a 20% discount on bags and accessories to U.S. first responders who verify through VerifyPass.
• Vortex Optics: Provides up to 50% off rifle scopes, binoculars, and tactical accessories for active and retired law enforcement members who register with ExpertVoice.

These offers highlight the variety of leisure options available to first responders, from theme park visits to outdoor adventures.

Food and Dining Offers

In addition to food-free items on National First Responders Day, several restaurants and food brands offer ongoing or seasonal discounts to first responders:

• Brooklyn Bedding: Offers an additional 5% discount plus free shipping to first responders who verify through ID.me.
• El Pollo Loco: Provides a 15% discount on orders for police officers, EMTs, and firefighters with valid proof of employment.
• Outback Steakhouse: Offers a 10% discount to first responders with valid ID.
• Heated Clothing 4 U: Provides 15% off purchases for active and retired police, firefighters, and paramedics with valid ID or proof of employment.
• GameStop: Offers a 10% discount to police officers who present a service badge or proof of employment at participating stores.
• Miku: Provides a 10% discount on online orders for active firefighters, police officers, and EMTs who verify through ID.me.

These dining and food offers are generally available in-person, with some requiring verification or proof of employment.

Technology and Household Goods

First responders can also benefit from discounts on technology and household goods:

• Ring: Offers a 20% discount on select smart alarms and doorbells for police officers, firefighters, and EMTs who verify through VerifyPass.
• Silk Smartish: Provides up to 15% off phones and other products for first responders who verify through VerifyPass.
• Verizon Wireless and Verizon Fios: Offers discounts on Unlimited and Fios monthly plans for active and retired first responders and their immediate family members.
• YETI: Provides up to 20% off coolers and other gear for active first responders who verify through ID.me.

These discounts can be accessed online or in-store, depending on the retailer’s policies.

Health and Safety Equipment

Some specialized brands offer first responders discounts on health and safety equipment:

• Dynotag: Provides a free Mini Emergency SuperMed ID tag with free shipping for first responders with valid ID.
• PC Richard & Son: Offers first responder discounts on purchases for active and retired paramedics, police officers, EMTs, and firefighters who present valid photo ID and proof of employment.

Conclusion

First responders are eligible for a wide range of free samples, discounts, and special offers across multiple categories, including food, clothing, entertainment, and household goods. These offers are often available year-round or on specific occasions such as National First Responders Day. Accessing these benefits typically requires valid identification or verification through services like SheerID, ID.me, or VerifyPass.

The variety of offers demonstrates the appreciation for first responders by brands and organizations that seek to support them. Whether it’s a free meal, a discount on clothing, or a reduced price on technology, these perks serve as a meaningful gesture of gratitude for those who protect and serve the community.

Sources

1. The Krazy Coupon Lady - First Responder Freebies
2. DealHack - First Responder Discounts Guide
3. DontPayFull - First Responder Healthcare Worker Discounts