BackFirst Responder Appreciation Day to Honor Local Police, Fire, and EMS in Keene on August 16
First Responder Appreciation Day to Honor Local Police, Fire, and EMS in Keene on August 16
August 5, 2026
On behalf of Jimmy Tempesta and Jim Coppo, the hosts/founders of First Responder Appreciation Day, Cheshire County is proud to announce the First Responder Appreciation Day, a free, family-friendly celebration honoring the police officers, firefighters, and EMS personnel who serve the region. The event takes place on Sunday, August 16, 2026, at Alumni Field, Keene High School, 77 Arch Street, Keene, NH, with gates opening at 10:00 a.m.
Hosted by Blue Line Appreciation, the day is dedicated in honor of Cheshire County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Mark Chamberlain and features a full slate of demonstrations, competitions, and family activities. Admission is free and open to the public.
“This day is about giving back to the men and women who give so much to our community every day,” said Jimmy Tempesta, co-founder of First Responder Appreciation Day. “Our police officers, firefighters, and EMS crews serve us so well, often at our hardest moments. This is our chance to show up for them and simply say thank you.”
Schedule of Events
10:00 a.m. — Gates Open
11:00 a.m. — Car Show & Touch-A-Truck
11:15 a.m. — National Anthem & First Pitch
11:30 a.m. — County Police vs. County Fire Softball Game
12:30 p.m. — Helicopter / Mock Car Crash Demonstration
1:00 p.m. — Home-Run Derby
1:40 p.m. — K-9 / Motorcycle Demonstrations
2:30 p.m. — Keene Police vs. Keene Fire Softball Game
“We’ve packed the day with something for everyone, softball games between our police and fire departments, a home-run derby, K-9 and helicopter demonstrations, touch-a-truck, and food and fun for the whole family,” said Jim Coppo, co-founder of First Responder Appreciation Day. “Every one of these events is a way to celebrate our first responders, and we want families from across the region to come out and be part of it.”
“Our first responders show up for this community every single day, and this is a chance for the community to show up for them,” said Christopher Coates, Cheshire County Administrator. “I am honored to help support a day that brings families together to say thank you.”
Additional Attractions
Throughout the day, attendees can enjoy the Fitzwilliam Police Car Show, EMS-Police-Fire demonstrations, a DHART helicopter landing, a K-9 demonstration, face painting, a dunk tank, and food from Tempesta Food Fare and Winnie’s Wagon.
Families are encouraged to arrive early, bring lawn chairs, and plan to spend the day. The event is free, family-friendly, and open to all.
Event Details Date: Sunday, August 16, 2026 Gates Open: 10:00 a.m. Location: Alumni Field, Keene High School, 77 Arch Street, Keene, NH 03431 Admission: Free