TIMES SQUARE — Rows of American flags lined the stage at Duffy Square on Wednesday as the First Responders Children’s Foundation (FRCF) held its annual Roll Call of Heroes ceremony for National First Responders Day. Working with presenting partner T-Mobile, the foundation honored 19 first responders from across the country, according to an FRCF news release.
The ceremony began at 11 a.m. and marked FRCF’s 25th anniversary, 25 years since 9/11 and America’s 250th birthday, the organizations said. It was livestreamed. (T-Mobile/FRCF release)
Jon Stewart, the host of “The Daily Show,” returned as master of ceremonies and welcomed the honorees to the stage, FRCF said. In its release, he said: “In times of tragedy, first responders are the light that turns fear into hope.”
The lecterns carried “National First Responders Day” signs bearing the logos of FRCF and T-Priority, T-Mobile’s first responder network service. T-Priority sponsored a new Leadership Award, which went to Chad Huff of Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services in Canton, Georgia, according to the release.
The children who stand behind them. FRCF said three children of fallen NYPD Officer Robert Sivori presented the 2026 Hero Medals. In one moment captured on video, an officer kneels in front of two children on stage as a voice can be heard saying, “…in recognition of your extraordinary service.”
A young honoree from Oakland. Explorer Sergeant Christopher Alvarado of the Oakland Housing Authority Police Department received the Junior First Responder Hero Award, according to FRCF. Standing in Times Square with his medal, he told NYC In Focus: “Hello, my name is Christopher Alvarado. … I’m from Oakland, California. Thanks to my advisor, I’m here to receive the award. It feels surreal.”
“I joined the Explorer program when I was 15, and now I’m here,” he said. “Always try your best, stay motivated and happy.”
New York’s hometown heroes. FRCF also presented Community Hero Awards to Assistant Chief Aaron Edwards of the NYPD; Firefighter Travis Langan of the FDNY; Officer Raheem Uddin of the MTA Police Department; Detective James Wyka of the Port Authority Police Department; and two New York State Police troopers, according to the release. Video tributes on the Times Square screens told some of their stories.
At the lectern, Jon Stewart spoke about the children behind the badge. “…their mother or their father leave for work, and sometimes the worst might happen, and there might be heartbreak when they don’t come home,” Jon Stewart said. “It’s why this charity exists. First Responders Children’s Foundation stands behind the children of all first responders to help them grow and thrive.”
“Because the greatest thank you we can give a first responder is the peace of mind that comes from knowing that their most precious asset, their children, will be lifted up and cared for.”
From the stage, Jon Stewart also thanked the crowd. “Folks, thank you so much for being here,” Jon Stewart said. “We’ve heard incredible stories today of people doing extraordinary things because somebody needed their help.”
Before the program closed, Jon Stewart asked people in Times Square and those watching at home to “spread gratitude.” “Take out your phones, post a photo here, take a selfie, share a story, write a few words of thanks to the first responders in your community,” Jon Stewart said. “Hashtag thank you first responders. That’s what you can use.”
Jon Stewart closed with: “To every first responder here today, and watching across the country, and to your families, thank you. Happy National First Responders Day, everybody.”
Honoring 9/11’s legacy. The 9/11 Legacy of Advocacy Award went to a team of advocates including John Feal, Jon Stewart and the late Luis Alvarez, who died in 2019 of 9/11-related cancer, and was presented by FRCF scholarship recipient Natalie Reisman, whose father, FDNY Lt. Steven Reisman, died in 2014 of 9/11-related brain cancer, FRCF said. The foundation said 37 states issued National First Responders Day proclamations presented during the ceremony.
In their words
“National First Responders Day is more than a celebration of extraordinary heroes. It is a call to unite our nation in gratitude, compassion, and action, to stand behind those who stand ready to protect us, and to ensure their children have every opportunity to thrive, pursue their dreams, and reach their full potential.”
Jillian Crane, President and CEO, First Responders Children’s Foundation (FRCF release)
“In times of tragedy, first responders are the light that turns fear into hope. To stand with them is to touch the very core of what holds our communities together.”
Jon Stewart, in the FRCF release
“First responders like Chad dedicate their lives to being there for others, often at great personal sacrifice.”
Chris Sambar, Chief Enterprise Officer, T-Mobile Business Group (FRCF release)
“The people we honor on National First Responders Day aren’t looking for recognition. They’re focused on doing their jobs, saving lives and taking care of their communities.”
Jillian Crane, in a T-Mobile Newsroom post
“Take out your phones, post a photo here, take a selfie, share a story, write a few words of thanks to the first responders in your community.”
Jon Stewart, host, at the ceremony (NYC In Focus video, Oct. 28, 2026)
“Always try your best, stay motivated and happy.”
Explorer Sergeant Christopher Alvarado, Oakland Housing Authority Police Department, to NYC In Focus
Other leaders listed by FRCF as attending included Al Kahn, the foundation’s founder and chairman; Cardinal Timothy Dolan; FDNY Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore; and NYPD First Deputy Commissioner Tania Kinsella. Tom Harris, president of the Times Square Alliance, and John Feal, a 9/11 responder and advocate, were the ceremony’s co-chairs.
More: First Responders Children’s Foundation · FRCF release (PR Newswire) · T-Mobile Newsroom. Photos and video by Howard Weiss / NYC In Focus.
