NACS Foundation Honors 2026 First Responders of the Year

After a nationwide search and review of nearly 600 entries, on Friday, July 24—also known as 24/7 Day —the NACS Foundation crowned its 2026 First Responders of the Year.

Now in its second year, the award recognizes first responders who went above and beyond for their communities. In special ceremonies across the country, the winners were recognized by the convenience industry, their communities, government representatives and friends and families for their incredible service. 

The first-place winner, Karen Shepherd of Pattonsburg, Missouri, won free gas for a year from GSTV, a $500 gift card from InComm payments, a free trip to the NACS Show in October and a basket of goodies filled with her favorite c-store items. 

The runners-up, Carl Nielsen of Fremont, Nebraska, and Sargeant Ryan Sheridan and his K9 partner, Dembe, of Charlottesville, Virginia, also won a $500 gift card from InComm. They will also be flown to the NACS Show in October to be honored on stage and receive donations and gift baskets of their favorite treats—including some special treats and a 24/7-day branded dog collar for Dembe.

“We know that first responders don’t do it for recognition. They run toward danger while others evacuate because they want to help,” said NACS Foundation Executive Director Kevin O’Connell. “Our industry has a front-row seat to this sacrifice, courage and commitment, often operating the only stores and gas stations open during times of disaster or critical need. We wanted to recognize their dedication to keeping us safe.”

Each first responder has an incredible story demonstrating what the First Responder of the Year Award is all about.

First Place: Karen Shepherd

EMT-B, Pattonsburg Volunteer Fire & Rescue Protection District

Pattonsburg, Missouri

In Pattonsburg, Missouri—a town of 350 people—Karen Shepherd is who you call in a crisis. For 26 years, she has been a member of the Pattonsburg Volunteer Fire & Rescue Protection District, 23 of those years as an EMT-B. She estimates she’s been on more than 4,000 emergency calls. 

In March 2026, Karen was the first responder on the scene when a Pattonsburg teenager was involved in a near-fatal ATV accident with his twin. As his mother (the Missouri District Manager for The Gas Spot convenience stores) called 911, a friend of the teens called Karen—who arrived on scene before the dispatch even went out. When Karen reached the teens, one of them was immobilized in the road with a significant head wound. She stabilized him and helped keep him safe and calm until he was airlifted to a Kansas City pediatric trauma center. Both siblings survived the accident. 

Karen’s nomination reflects a lifetime of service and impact in her community. In addition to her role with the Fire & Rescue Protection District, she is also the City Clerk. In putting together Karen’s nomination, the Gas Spot team received a line of community members at the store for more than 10 hours straight, all attesting to the incredible impact Karen has had both in times of emergency, as well as in the daily life of the town. 

Carl Nielsen

Fire Chief, Fremont Rural Fire Department

Fremont, Nebraska

Nominated by his wife Becky Nielsen, Carl’s recognition centered on his around-the-clock response to the Horizon Biofuels explosion in Fremont, Nebraska in July 2025. As head of incident command, Carl drew on his decades of service as a volunteer firefighter, as well as his full-time job as an operations manager with Sapp Bros, to coordinate the response and collective efforts of multiple agencies across police, fire, emergency management and local and federal leadership to combat the initial incident, as well as the aftermath that lasted for weeks.

In addition to leading the firefighting strategy, he also called in Sapp Bros fuel trucks to keep first responder vehicles primed to continually spray water on the fire. Nielsen started with the Fire Department at 18 years old and led by example to combat the disaster, demonstrating an exceptional effort to protect his community and minimize loss of life and property.

Sgt. Sheridan and K9 Dembe

Sergeant, Albemarle County Police Department

Charlottesville, Virginia

Throughout 2025, Sgt. Sheridan and his K-9 partner Dembe demonstrated extraordinary dedication and professionalism, contributing to several high-profile arrests and consistently supporting critical operations across the county. Sergeant Sheridan responded to 373 calls for service—many involving urgent support to patrol units—and regularly made himself available for callouts, often stepping in without being asked.