The deadline for nominations for the 12th annual First Responder awards has been extended by one week.
Scheduled for Club 101, 101 Park Avenue, New York, NY on Friday 13 November, the awards celebrate the contribution of the Irish to fire departments across the USA.
Said Irish Echo publisher Máirtín Ó Muilleoir, "As Irish America's national newspaper, it's our privilege to pay tribute annually to the Irish firefighters and first responders who keep our communities safe."
Nominees come from across the U.S. but with New York and New Jersey firefighters to the fore. "We're keen to spread our net as far as possible," said Ó Muilleoir. "Previously we've had honorees from Houston, Chicago, San Francisco and, of course, Boston and we'd like to see that broad tent tradition maintained in 2026."
These gatherings are a celebration of the great tradition of families, and succeeding generations in families, stepping up as our nation’s first responders.
This year, the 25th anniversary of the 9.11 attacks, will be especially poignant.
"Our awardees always include colleagues of the 343 firefighters who lost their lives on that day but we're also mindful of the fact that almost twice that number have died since from 9.11 diseases - many of whom have been saluted at our event."
Nominations are open until Friday 9 October and can be made online here.
