Irish Echo Extended First Responder Award Nominations
The annual awards recognize Irish contributions to fire departments across the United States.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Emergency Response
Live Poll
Do you believe local awards ceremonies are an effective way to honor community first responders?
The Irish Echo has extended the nomination deadline for its 12th annual First Responder awards by one week. The extension aims to broaden the geographic scope of nominees for the honor.
Why it matters
The awards highlight the impact of Irish individuals within fire departments nationwide as the nation prepares to mark the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, a tragedy that claimed 343 firefighters on the day and resulted in 686 additional deaths from related diseases since.
The players
The Irish Echo
This organization serves as the primary publication for the Irish American community and hosts the annual First Responder awards.
The details
Nominations for the 12th annual event are now being accepted online until October 9, 2026. The ceremony is scheduled to take place at Club 101 in New York City on November 13, 2026.
Timeline
September 11, 2001: The original 9/11 attacks occurred.
October 9, 2026: The new nomination deadline for the awards.
November 13, 2026: The awards ceremony held at Club 101.
Seasonal Patterns
The awards ceremony serves as a commemorative effort linked to the legacy and ongoing impact of the September 11 attacks.
Those wishing to honor a first responder for their service can submit a candidate through the online portal. Nominations must be completed by the new deadline to be eligible for the upcoming ceremony.
The takeaway
Recognizing the service of fire department personnel remains a vital way for communities to honor those lost to duty-related incidents. Prospective nominators should utilize the extra time to ensure deserving individuals are properly identified for this milestone year.
Further reading
Learn more about local emergency events on the Emergency Response page.
More information
Submit your nomination via the Online first responder nomination form.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Irish Echo.
Live Poll
Do you believe local awards ceremonies are an effective way to honor community first responders?
