Celebrating National First Responders Day 2025
Honor 9-1-1 Heroes Through Art - Enter Contest by October 21
National First Responders Day, celebrated every year on October 28th, is a special day to thank the brave heroes who respond first in emergencies. These include our firefighters, police officers, 9-1-1 telecommunicators (9-1-1 call-takers and dispatchers), and emergency medical services (EMS) personnel. These everyday heroes work hard to keep us safe, often risking their own lives to help others in need.
About the 911 Heroes Art Contest
Following the success of last year’s 9-1-1 Heroes Art Contest, where two incredible student artists were featured in public murals in Bridgeport, TX and Italy, TX, RapidDeploy is excited to partner with NCT9-1-1 again.
This year, the contest is back and even bigger!
We’re inviting all students in grades K–12 across North Texas to create art that celebrates our first responders. Whether it’s a drawing of a firefighter in action or a colorful tribute to a calm and collected 9-1-1 telecommunicator, we want to see your unique perspective!
All submissions must include a 9-1-1 telecommunicator or a clear symbol representing one, such as a headset, phone, computer screen, or a 9-1-1 call center. Students are also strongly encouraged to include other first responders: Police Officers, Firefighters, and EMS personnel.
Take a look at our video recap from last year’s contest and mural dedication ceremonies!
Theme:
Honoring Our 911 Heroes
This year’s theme celebrates the vital role of all first responders, police officers, firefighters, EMS personnel, and especially 9-1-1 telecommunicators, the calm and steady voices who connect us to help in an emergency.
Students are invited to showcase these heroes in action and honor their bravery, compassion, and commitment through art.
Important Dates:
Art Contest Kickoff: October 1stSubmission Deadline: October 21st
Judging: October 22nd - October 23rd
Public Voting: October 24th - October 27th
Winners Announced: October 28th (National First Responders Day)
Who Can Participate?
Open to all K–12 students in the North Central Texas region*
Group 1: Grades K–5
Artwork featured in a printed First Responder Coloring Book shared at public safety events and classrooms.
Group 2: Grades 6–12
One winning piece will become a public mural in North Texas.**
The winner will also receive a scholarship donation toward higher education.
* Eligible areas include counties served by NCT9-1-1 and RapidDeploy. A full list of participating: Collin County, Dallas County (Only cities of Balch Springs, Cockrell Hill, Sachse, Seagoville, and Wilmer,) Erath County, Ellis County, Hood County, Hunt County, Johnson County, Kaufman County, Navarro County, Palo Pinto County, Parker County, Rockwall County, Somervell County, Wise County
** Note: The mural will be based on the winning piece but may be adapted by a professional muralist for the final representation.
Submission Guidelines
Eligibility: Open to K–12 students living in North Texas
Theme Requirements: Each submission must feature a 9-1-1 telecommunicator or a symbol representing them (e.g., headset, phone, computer). Students are encouraged to include other first responders such as police officers, firefighters, or EMS personnel.
Accepted Mediums: Any 2D artwork (drawing, painting, non-AI digital art)
File Formats: Digital submissions must be in JPEG, PNG, or PDF format
Submission Type: Entries may be submitted individually, as a group, or as a class
How to Submit
Click the Submit Artwork button below, and upload your artwork using the form provided. Students may also upload a short video sharing what inspired their artwork or what first responders mean to them.
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Prizes
For students in grades K–5, selected artwork will be featured in a 9-1-1 Heroes Coloring Book and on bookmarks shared throughout Texas.
For students in grades 6–12, one winning piece will be transformed into a public mural in a North Texas location. The mural winner may also receive a scholarship donation toward future educational opportunities.
In addition to these grand prizes, all winning and selected submissions will be showcased in our blog, highlighted across RapidDeploy’s and NCT9-1-1’s social media platforms (powered by Motorola Solutions), and featured at public safety events across the country.
Get Involved
Let’s get creative! Submit your artwork by October 21st for a chance to be featured in our online gallery—or even painted as a public mural.
Honor our 9-1-1 first responders and heroes with your unique vision, and don’t forget to share your entry with friends and family. Encourage them to come back to this site between October 24–27 to vote for their favorite artwork!