The NACS Foundation is proud to announce the three winners of the First Responder of the Year Award as part of yesterday’s 24/7 Day. The first-place winner, Charles Biery, of Newport, Kentucky, will receive free gas for a year courtesy of GSTV and free Keurig Dr Pepper products for a year.

“We know that first responders and hometown heroes don’t do it for the recognition. They run toward danger while others evacuate, simply because they want to help. This year’s 24/7 Day theme, ‘We See You. We Thank You.’—was chosen for a reason: to let them know that our industry sees the sacrifice, courage and commitment they show daily whether in quiet moments or the face of disaster,” said NACS Foundation Executive Director, Kevin O’Connell.

At 79 years old, Biery has been an American Red Cross volunteer for 55 years. He has assisted in a multitude of disasters, including 9/11 recovery efforts to the most recent disasters in the Kentucky and Ohio areas. Kentucky Senator Mitch McConnell’s office also sent a certificate to recognize his efforts.

The desire to give back still runs in the family—Charles’ son is a manager at Hop Shops in Kentucky and a volunteer firefighter.

“I nominated him because for 56 years, he has shown up. For Greater Cincinnati, for Northern Kentucky, and for people in crisis across the country. He has responded to over 4,500 emergencies, from natural disasters to the deeply personal tragedies that never make the news. And he has done it all with quiet integrity, never asking for recognition,” David Biery, Hop Shops manager and Charles’ son said. “Growing up, I watched him walk into fires, floods and chaos with the same calm, unwavering presence. While others were running away, he was always running toward. What makes this award meaningful is not just the number of responses. It is the lifetime of sacrifice, selflessness and service that came with them.”

The NACS Foundation First Responder of the Year Award runner up winners are Angela Ryan from Rockville, Indiana; and Kevin Umscheid from St. George, Kansas. Both will receive free Keurig Dr Pepper products for a year.

Ryan has been a Casey’s team member for seven years and is also a volunteer firefighter in Marshall, Indiana. Ryan helped save two customers’ lives after identifying signs of heart attacks inside her Casey’s store while on shift. Casey’s donated $1,000 to the Marshall Fire Department in Ryan’s honor.

“Casey’s is so proud to stand with our everyday heroes who make our communities stronger, and that's what 24/7 Day is all about. Our partnership on the initiative is a reflection of our commitment to those who go above and beyond, including our team member Angie Ryan who lives our values in service of her community every day. We’re grateful to have her on our team and honored to support her critical work at the Marshall Volunteer Fire Department,” said Steph Hoppe, VP of omnichannel marketing at Casey’s.

Umscheid is a volunteer fire chief and full-time fuel driver at Dara’s Corner Market in Kansas. Umscheid even takes vacation days from his job as a fuel driver to lead wildfire and tornado rescue efforts. He has saved lives in many building fires and puts everyone ahead of himself, those around him said. Umscheid also received a Mountain Dew care package from PepsiCo, which is his favorite beverage.

“With the First Responder of the Year celebrations, this campaign became more than just recognition—it became a community movement. These events brought together convenience store employees, local first responders, their families, neighbors and even those who just wanted to say thank you. It’s as local and community driven as we get, and it’s precisely the kind of impact we hope to grow year after year,” O’Connell said.

All First Responder of the Year Award nominees will receive a certificate of recognition as part of this year’s 24/7 Day celebrations.