ASO 911 dispatcher honored in Times Square by Jon Stewart

Press release from the First Responders Children’s Foundation

NEW YORK – First Responders Children’s Foundation (FRCF), a national nonprofit dedicated to serving the children and families of first responders – firefighters, law enforcement, EMS, 911 dispatchers, and corrections officers, honored 15 first responders from across the country as part of the organization’s annual National First Responders Day Roll Call of Heroes live in Times Square on Tuesday. One of those first responders was Alachua County Sheriff’s Office Telecommunicator Kayla Gillette-Patten.

The ceremony, presented by SERVPRO, recognized the heroic efforts of firefighters, emergency medical services, 911 dispatch, local and federal law enforcement, and volunteer and junior first responders from across the United States. Heroes were welcomed onstage by the master of ceremonies – tireless first responder champion and late-night talk show host – Jon Stewart.

“Today, we honored a few heroes to stand for the more than 4.6 million first responders who run toward danger when we run toward safety,” said Jillian Crane, President and CEO of First Responders Children’s Foundation. “Every shift begins with uncertainty, and behind each responder is a family that carries that weight — the sleepless nights, the silent prayers, the hope that their loved one comes home safe. As we mark National First Responders Day, we honor not only the courage of those who serve but the strength of the families who serve beside them. At First Responders Children’s Foundation, our gratitude becomes duty — through scholarships, mental health support, natural disaster relief, and bereavement grants, we turn compassion into action. These honorees remind us why we must keep showing up — for every responder, and every family who sacrifices with them.”

This year’s ceremony featured a special group of honorees who received the SERVPRO Natural Disaster Response Award, spotlighting the power of teamwork. Four Los Angeles first responders received special recognition for their collective efforts within their agencies during the Eaton and Palisades fires, where interagency coordination across fire, law enforcement, and emergency management made the difference between devastation and containment. Their collaboration shows what it means to be a first responder: service without boundaries, communication under pressure, and a shared commitment to protect lives and communities no matter the patch on the uniform. In honoring them, we celebrate the unity that makes every successful response possible.

“At SERVPRO, we meet people on some of their hardest days, and we see firsthand what first responders make possible: safe outcomes, second chances and resilient communities,” said Brett Ponton, CEO of SERVPRO. “That’s why we’re proud to be an official partner of First Responders Children’s Foundation and present this ceremony recognizing 15 remarkable honorees, along with those recognized for the Los Angeles wildfires response. Our commitment is simple: stand with the people who stand up for all of us — and support the families behind the badge.”

Every year, First Responders Children’s Foundation urges every state in America to proclaim October 28 National First Responders Day. This year, the response was greater than ever before, with 41 states issuing proclamations presented during the ceremony. These proclamations serve as a powerful reminder to first responders everywhere that people across the country stand with them and recognize their sacrifices.

The honorees were greeted on stage by Jon Stewart, a steadfast champion for the first responder community, using his voice and platform to fight for those who risk their lives for others. For years, he has led the charge for 9/11 responders — testifying before Congress in 2019 with an impassioned plea that helped secure permanent funding for the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund. Beyond Capitol Hill, Stewart has consistently shown up for the first responder community: visiting firehouses, honoring fallen heroes, and lending his support to the families they have left behind. His relentless advocacy and genuine connection to those who serve make him an ideal host for celebrating our nation’s first responders.

“Fifteen honorees stand for the millions who answer when lives are on the line,” said Jon Stewart. “They turn chaos into care, and their families carry that calling with them. On National First Responders Day, we recognize both service and sacrifice, and I’m proud to have been there to celebrate them on a national stage. Our commitment is to keep showing up for them the way they show up for us.”

2025 Hero Medals were awarded to first responders from around the country, including:

Communications (911 Dispatch): Kayla Gillette-Patten

Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, Gainesville, FL

• On March 16, 2025, Kayla Gillette Patten was the lead dispatcher during a mental health crisis where a suspect fired multiple rounds from his apartment (click here for Alachua Chronicle’s story on that incident). She was able to coordinate numerous 911 calls to organize the police response, staying on the line for hours and providing officers with real-time information until the suspect surrendered. 

Local Law Enforcement: Officer Cameron Price

Lee’s Summit Police Department, Lee’s Summit, MO

• On May 15, 2024, Officer Price responded alone to a home that had been broken into. Inside, he found the suspect assaulting a woman with her two small children nearby. Officer Price fought the suspect off and took him into custody.

Federal Law Enforcement: Group Supervisor Jason Franks

Drug Enforcement Administration, New York Division

• In 2025, Group Supervisor Franks oversaw multiple large-scale drug seizures, including more than 3,000 kilos of cocaine. He also coordinated the extraditions of multiple drug cartel leaders.

Emergency Medical Services: EMS Acting Sergeant Aaron Dossey

Fern Creek Fire Dept., Fern Creek, KY

• In March 2025, while off-duty, EMS Acting Sergeant Aaron Dossey was on vacation with his family out of state when he noticed a young boy unresponsive underwater. Despite being off-duty, Dossey quickly pulled the boy up and administered CPR until he started breathing again. By the time parademics arrived, the child was conscious and alert.

Fire: Firefighter/Paramedic Josh Jarzab

Twinsburg Fire Dept., Twinsburg, OH 

• On August 17, 2025, Josh Jarzab and his department responded to a basement fire at a home, learning on the way to the scene that a baby was trapped inside. Jarzab located the 8-month-old, kept him from inhaling smoke and saved his life.

Volunteer Fire: Firefighter Dusty Block

Mountain Home Volunteer Fire Dept., Mountain Home, TX 

• On July 4, 2025, Dusty Block and his volunteer fire crew arrived on scene in Texas Hill Country to conduct flood rescues at homes and camps. By the time the day was done, Block had helped save 30 people and rendered aid to at least 150 more.

Junior First Responder: Firefighter Jiya Jadhav

New Hyde Park Fire Dept., New Hyde Park, NY 

• On March 18, 2025, Jiya Jadhav was named 2025 National Junior Firefighter of the Year by the National Volunteer Fire Council. She serves as first lieutenant for the Hyde Park Junior Fire Department. 

The SERVPRO Natural Disaster Response Award, a special honor in recognition of the collective and coordinated emergency response to the Palisades and Eaton wildfires in southern California was presented to: Captain Joshua Swaney, County of Los Angeles Fire Department; Executive Officer of Administrative Operations Shawn Tukua, Los Angeles Fire Department; Officer Jonathan Tom, Los Angeles Police Department; Commander Jabari Williams, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department

To honor the local agencies keeping New York City safe every day, the Community Hero Awards were presented to:

FDNY Community Hero Award: Firefighter Nick Schneider, New York City Fire Department

NYPD Community Hero Award: Officer Rich Wong, New York City Police Department

MTA PD Community Hero Award: Officers Scott Gulick & Christopher Capozzoli, Metropolitan Transportation Authority Police Department

Distinguished leaders from the first responder community in attendance included Al Kahn, Founder and Chairman of FRCF; Jillian Crane, President & CEO of FRCF; Robert Rajkowski, CMO of SERVPRO and FRCF Board Member; FDNY First Deputy Commissioner Mark Guerra; NYPD First Deputy Commissioner Tania Kinsella; MTA Police Department Chief Thomas Taffe; LA County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone; DEA Special Agent in Charge of the New York Division Frank Tarentino; U.S. Customs and Border Protection Director of New York Field Operations Frank Russo; Tom Harris, President, Times Square Alliance; Reverend Dr. Jacqui Lewis of Middle Church.

In addition to our presenting sponsor, SERVPRO, the First Responders Children’s Foundation National First Responders Day Roll Call of Heroes had generous support from T-Mobile, Holland & Knight, Devon Energy, Good360, United Airlines, and GOVX.