The annual NACS Foundation 24/7 Day, held each year on July 24, rang with cheers (and a few happy tears) in 2025 as three individuals learned they had been named the inaugural First Responders of the Year award recipients. A Red Cross volunteer with 55 years of service under his belt, a Casey’s store manager and volunteer firefighter who saved a customer’s life in the store, and a fuel driver who serves as the fire chief across multiple towns in his Kansas community showcased what being both a first responder and part of the convenience industry means.
At their local convenience stores, family members and colleagues gathered to surprise them while local TV crews broadcast the moment live. A Member of Congress even stopped by to offer appreciation.
“These kinds of stories really humanize the industry, the first responders and the communities they serve—putting faces to the profound meaning behind the 24/7 Day campaign,” said Kevin O’Connell, executive director of the NACS Foundation.
The industry is gearing up for its eighth 24/7 Day in 2026.
It’s a day to recognize and thank first responders, medical personnel and American Red Cross volunteers who work around the clock, 24/7, 365 days a year, to serve our communities and keep them safe. It also highlights the critical role convenience stores play supporting everyone who works around the clock.
Recognition That Hits Home
“For many of our customers, these first responders are the very people who stood with them in some of life’s hardest moments. They see their own stories reflected in the honorees,” said David Biery, a regional manager of Valor Oil. His father, Charles Biery, a 55-year veteran of the Red Cross from Florence, Kentucky, was named the NACS Foundation First Responder of the Year in 2025.
Biery described seeing his father getting that recognition as “nothing short of a pinnacle moment,” and said that the award did much more than celebrate his father’s legacy. “It reminded our entire organization why service matters and why we strive to carry that same standard into every interaction with our guests.”
Onstage at the 2025 NACS Show in Chicago—flanked by runners-up Angela Ryan and Kevin Umscheid—the elder Biery accepted a crystal trophy before an audience of nearly 5,000. In that moment, he said, he felt like a celebrity.
Across the country, more than 35,000 participating convenience store locations celebrated first responders on 24/7 Day with gestures that showed their support. These ranged from a free cup of coffee or fountain drink for any credentialed public safety officer, healthcare worker or military service member, a donation of foodservice made to the local firehouse, supportive signage and digital campaigns, or other creative support that fit the community.
The celebration is personal for many in the industry.
“I was really grateful for 24/7 Day because it gave me the inspiration to think of a way to commemorate Edward “Chip” Chidester, the volunteer assistant fire chief and Onvo team member who passed away due to injuries sustained in the line of duty,” said Harman Aulakh, vice president of marketing for Onvo. The company created a memorial that will be permanently displayed at the Onvo location in Harford, Pennsylvania, recognizing Chidester’s dedication and service, and served breakfast for the local fire department after the unveiling ceremony.
The Power of Personal Stories
While the impact these individuals have on their communities is monumental, the nominations showcase only a fraction of the incredible people across the U.S. who do this work every day, often quietly, humbly and behind the scenes. If you have a first responder in your area that’s deserving of recognition, nominate them for the next First Responder of the Year Award and celebrate them on 24/7 Day—and every day. First Responder of the Year nominations will open from April 15–June 1, 2026.
Now more than ever, we must come together to support those who work around the clock to take care of our communities. Learn how you can get involved and partner with the NACS Foundation for 24/7 Day.