6th Annual First Responder Appreciation Day – Hero Fest Set May 4 at Brevard Veterans Memorial Center

By  //  April 9, 2025

BBQ Lunch – Enjoy delicious food while supporting a great cause

Back Brevard Heroes will host the 6th Annual First Responder Appreciation Day—Hero Fest, an appreciation, celebration, and family fun day at the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center on Merritt Island.

BREVARD COUNTY • MERRITT ISLAND, FLORIDA—Back Brevard Heroes will host the 6th Annual First Responder Appreciation Day—Hero Fest, an appreciation, celebration, and family fun day at the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center on Merritt Island.

Hero Fest is a family-friendly community event — open to everyone — with a special invitation to all law enforcement, firefighters, EMS, dispatchers, and their families to come out, relax, and let us show our appreciation for all that you do.

Attendees will have the chance to meet local first responders, watch exciting demonstrations, and explore a variety of interactive exhibits.

Hero Fest is all about building community connections, celebrating our local heroes, and giving families a chance to meet, learn from, and thank the incredible men and women who serve Brevard every day.

Event Details:

■ Date: Sunday, May 4, 2025
■ Time: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
■ Location: Brevard Veterans Memorial Center, 400 S Sykes Creek Pkwy, Merritt Island
■ Admission is free

Event Highlights Include:

■ K-9 Demonstrations – See these incredible working dogs in action.
■ Jaws of Life Demonstration – Watch the fire department perform a live rescue demonstration.
■ Meet Sheriff Ivey and Chief Voltaire – Get to know our local sheriff and fire chief.
■ Static Displays – Check out emergency response vehicles, including fire trucks, and a Coast Guard boat.
■ BCSO Dive Team – Learn about underwater investigations and evidence recovery.
■ Petting Zoo & Safari Todd – A fun and educational experience for kids and adults alike.
■ Le Troupe from Cirque Athletics – Be amazed by aerialists showcasing breathtaking acrobatics!
■ Sky High Parties Foam Party – Jump into mountains of foamy fun.
■ Carnival Games & Face Painting – Fun activities for children and adults of all ages.
■ Local Business Sponsors – Meet the businesses that help make this event possible.
■ BBQ Lunch – Enjoy delicious food while supporting a great cause. (Donations for lunch appreciated)

Back Brevard Heroes is a local nonprofit organization dedicated to recognizing, supporting, and giving back to law enforcement, firefighters, EMS, and dispatchers throughout Brevard County.

Through events like Hero Fest, the Help a Hero Fund, and ongoing appreciation and recognition efforts throughout the year, Back Brevard Heroes fosters positive connections between first responders and the community they serve.

From providing support in times of need to simply saying “thank you” in meaningful ways, Back Brevard Heroes is committed to honoring the everyday heroes who protect and serve Brevard County.

Follow us on Facebook HERE for additional details, the event schedule, and updates as Hero Fest approaches.

“What an amazing ‘First Responders Appreciation BBQ’ event that took place at Kiwanis Island Park in Merritt Island, where hundreds of our citizens turned out to show just how much they truly love their First Responders and Military Heroes,” said BCSO Sheriff Wayne Ivey. (BCSO Image)

Mission: At Back Brevard Heroes, we’re all about having the backs of our local heroes—those amazing folks in Law Enforcement, Firefighters, EMTs, Dispatchers, and the Military. They’re out there every day, saving lives, keeping us safe, and just being awesome. The mission is simple: we stand behind them, giving them the love, support, and appreciation they deserve. We’re here to make sure our community knows it, too. Whether it’s a high-five, a heartfelt thanks, or a helping hand, we’re all about showing our First Responders that we’ve got their backs, just like they’ve got ours.

Vision: At Back Brevard Heroes, we’re dreaming big and it’s all about our local heroes—the fantastic Law Enforcement, Firefighters, EMTs, Dispatchers, and Military. Picture this: a community where everyone’s got each other’s back. Our grand plan is to set up the friendliest nonprofit in Brevard County. We’re excited to carve out special spots just for each profession, making sure everyone knows they’re valued. Together, let’s grow awareness, spread good vibes, and shower our local heroes with the love and appreciation they truly deserve. It’s not just a vision; it’s a friendly, warm hug for every Brevard First Responder in our county!

Values: We believe in keeping things simple and real—a friendly ‘thank you’ goes a long way. Our commitment is to make sure every Law Enforcement officer, Firefighter, EMT, Dispatcher, and Military personnel in our community feels the warmth of our appreciation. It’s not just about saying thanks; it’s about creating a welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels the love and support they deserve. At the end of the day, we aim to create a powerful connection, ensuring that our local heroes feel valued, supported, and embraced by the community they tirelessly serve. We’re all about making sure our local First Responders know they’re part of one big, friendly family.

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