Rapid Response

Race Day Registration and Packet Pick Up

1:30 PM (Panton Mill Park - Comfort Building by Main Stage)

5K Run/Walk Start

3:00 PM

Race Site:

Panton Mill Park

10 North Water Street

South Elgin

Engraved Medal Awards going to:

First 10 Males

First 10 Females

Parking:

Parking will be at a premium. Look back here soon for recommended sites.

Your bib is your raffle number (All participants with a bib number are automatically entered into the raffle)! Bib/raffle numbers will be chosen at random and will be posted at the registration area after the race! Check out our raffle prizes list so far....check back here often and watch this list grow!

• New Balance
• Darn Tough Socks
• Roll Recovery
• Powerplate
• Zensah
• GOODR
• ASICS
• Feetures Socks
• Pro-Tec Athletics
• Dick Pond Athletics Gift Cards
• and more!

America's First Responders Fest will be giving proceeds to the following organizations.

Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.)

Each year, between 140 and 160 officers die in the line of duty and their families and co-workers are left to cope. C.O.P.S. provides resources to help them rebuild their shattered lives. There is no membership fee to join C.O.P.S., for the price paid is already too high.

C.O.P.S. was organized in 1984 with 110 individual members. Today, C.O.P.S. membership is over 75,000 survivors. Survivors include spouses, children, parents, siblings, significant others, and co-workers of officers who have died in the line of duty according to Federal government criteria. C.O.P.S. is governed by a national board of law enforcement survivors. All programs and services are administered by the National Office in Camdenton, Missouri. C.O.P.S. has over 50 chapters nationwide that work with survivors at the grass-roots level.

C.O.P.S. programs for survivors include the National Police Survivors' Conference held each May during National Police Week; scholarships; peer-support at the national, state, and local levels; "C.O.P.S. Kids" counseling reimbursement program; the "C.O.P.S. Kids" Summer Camp, "C.O.P.S. Teens" Outward Bound Adventure for young adults, special retreats for spouses, parents, siblings, adult children, extended family, and co-workers; trial and parole support, and other assistance programs.

C.O.P.S. knows that a survivor's level of distress is directly affected by the agency's response to the tragedy. C.O.P.S., therefore, offers training and assistance to law enforcement agencies nationwide on how to respond to the tragic loss of a member of the law enforcement profession. C.O.P.S. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. C.O.P.S. programs and services are funded by grants and donations.

Who is a Survivor?

A family member or co-worker of a law enforcement officer who died in the line of duty. Line-of-duty deaths include felonious, accidental, medical/illness, and suicide (in accordance with the Public Safety Officer Support Act of 2022.)

True Patriots Care

True Patriots Care is dedicated to recognizing and supporting those who have served their communities as first responders and as members of the armed services. The foundation seeks to enrich the lives of these individuals and their families through honor and support.

Operation Sweet Life, Inc.

Operation Sweet Life, Inc. is dedicated to assisting veterans with house-keeping items and services enabling them to maintain independence in their homes. Among the veterans resources we strive to provide are:

• To assist senior veterans and families with affordable estate sales
• Provide gently used items free to veterans
• Operate a resale shop from donations open to the general public, with profits going directly to assist veterans
• Providing services for senior or disabled veterans, such as yard work, snow removal, power washing and other home maintenance assistance
• Hire veterans to refurbish furniture, help with moving, pick up and delivery
• Hire veterans who are completing recovery to be in a safe work environment
• Work with other nonprofits to serve our veterans and provide opportunities for them to succeed
• Provide assistance with Baby Showers for Veterans

WE ARE EXCITED FOR THE ADVENTURE AND OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE OUR VETERANS AT ALL STAGES OF LIFE. LIFE CAN BE SWEET AS WE SERVE EACH OTHER.

O.U.R. Rescue

St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital

The mission of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is to advance cures and means of prevention, for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research treatment. Consistent with the vision of our founder Danny Thomas, no child is denied treatment based on race, religion or a family's ability to pay.

• Families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food.
• We share our scientific discoveries with the world.
• We're headquartered in Memphis, TN
• Our name comes from Saint Jude Thaddeus, the patron saint of hopeless causes and a personal favorite of founder Danny Thomas.

Illinois Firefighter Peer Support

To Our Fire Service and EMS Brothers and Sisters:

None of us have to struggle alone. The Illinois Firefighter Peer Support (ILFFPS) Team is here when you need us. There are going to be times in our lives that are tough by virtue of what we experience as professionals and human beings. Strength is not shouldering another burden; rather, strength is in letting go and asking for help. ILFFPS is made up of fire service and EMS members just like you. If you need a peer to talk with and someone who can understand what you are experiencing because they have been there; we are here.

Mission Statement:

Illinois Firefighter Peer Support’s (ILFFPS) mission is to recognize that all fire service and emergency medical service members are human beings who will be exposed to, and experience emotions. ILFFPS will provide a safe, non-judgmental and confidential environment where members can engage in a healing conversation with a peer. ILFFPS also seeks to share the concept of peer support and the structure of our program with those that request.

Vision Statement:

Illinois Firefighter Peer Support seeks to contribute and provide ongoing emotional wellness resources that are readily needed in the fire service and for emergency responders.

Value Statement:

Illinois Firefighter Peer Support values the concepts of Making it Safe and Making it Matter. These values are upheld by an understanding that we have a calling to care for all firefighters and emergency responders equally, and that we are all deserving of genuine support by our peers in a time of need, no matter the need.

Explanation of ILFFPS:

Illinois Firefighter Peer Support is defined as assistance provided by a trained individual or group of trained firefighters and emergency responders who answer the call to their brothers and sisters in need, regardless of the need.

Back The Blue set to broaden its horizons in 2023

Welcome to the America's First Responders Fest website! Join us on Saturday, September 30th, at the picturesque Panton Mill Park along the Fox River in South Elgin for a tribute like no other. For the first time ever, we are not only honoring law enforcement but all first responders, including firefighters, veterans, and emergency and medical personnel.

Event Overview

In its third year running, the America's First Responders Fest is set to be bigger and better. This year, we're extending our gratitude to all the heroes who keep us safe, free, and healthy around the clock. Join us as we celebrate and honor the invaluable contribution of all first responders."We think it's time to take the next step and have a celebration for all essential workerswho keep us safe, keep us free, and keep us healthy, 24-hours a day, 7- days a week," said event organizer and Elgin Township Trustee Mark Bialek. "We will pay tribute to them on stage, and we will party with them in the park"

Why Attend

The festival promises a day full of learning, fun, and celebration. Not only will you get a chance to honor and interact with our brave first responders, but you'll also enjoy an array of exciting activities and attractions. From a classic car show to live bands, food trucks, and kids' activities - there's something for everyone!

America’s First Responders Festival Lineup

12:00-- Welcome, brief introduction, post colors

12:15-- Live Music (Band #1)

1:00-- Fire Department Presentation and Recognition Ceremony

1:15-- Live Music (Band #1, Set 2)

2:00-- Law Enforcement Presentation and Recognition Ceremony

2:15-- Live Music (Band #2-Rick Lindy and the Wild Ones)

3:00-- Main Stage Presentation: Non-Profit Check Presentations,

Kick off the 5K Run

3:25-- Live Music (Band #2-Rick Lindy and the Wild Ones, Set 2)

4:15-- Dispatcher/Nurse Presentation and Recognition Ceremony

4:30-- JP Classic Car Show Trophy Presentation

4:45-- Live Music (Band #3)

5:30-- Veterans/Military Presentation and Recognition Ceremony

5:45-- Live Music (Band #3, Set 2)

6:45-- Drawing 50/50 Raffle, Final Announcements

7:00-- Main Act