Gov. Whitmer and Lt. Governor Gilchrist Proclaim Today National First Responders Day

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

October 28, 2026 

Contact: press@michigan.gov 

Gov. Whitmer and Lt. Governor Gilchrist Proclaim Today National First Responders Day

Michigan’s crime rate hits a seven-year low, thanks to the first responders who serve our communities

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II issued a proclamation designating today National First Responders Day, honoring the firefighters, law enforcement officers, emergency medical personnel, and other first responders who work every day to protect Michigan communities. Thanks in large part to their hard work and commitment, Michigan has reached its lowest crime rate in seven years. Violent crime is down more than 40% since 2021, more than 1,000 illegal guns have been taken off the streets, and robberies have been cut in half since the governor took office.  

“This National First Responders Day, we recognize the brave men and women who show up for Michiganders in some of their most difficult moments,” said Governor Whitmer. “Thanks to their hard work, alongside strong community partnerships, Michigan has reached its lowest crime rate in seven years. We owe these public servants our gratitude, and we have a responsibility to make sure they have the resources, training, and support they need to do their jobs safely and effectively. My administration will always stand with Michigan’s first responders and work to ensure they have what they need to keep our communities safe.”  

“First responders are a vital part of what makes a community strong,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “They’re the people our neighbors count on in an emergency, the ones who work on holidays and overnight shifts, and the ones who step up when someone needs help. On National First Responders Day, we recognize the commitment it takes to serve in these roles and the families who support them along the way. Today, and every day, we thank them for their service and the sacrifices they make to keep our communities safe. We will continue standing tall for Michigan’s first responders and the communities they serve.”   

"On First Responders Day, and every day, we are grateful for the courageous individuals who run toward danger when others run away. We cannot thank you enough,” said Col. James F. Grady II, director of the Michigan State Police. “Our officers often meet people on their worst days but remain committed to serving with integrity and excellence to ensure our communities remain safe.” 

To view the full proclamation, click here. 

Delivering for First Responders and Keeping Communities Safe  

• Invested nearly $2 billion into public safety programs across 8 bipartisan budgets to assist police, firefighters, EMTs, and public safety departments with training, equipment, recruitment, retention, and support. 

• Over 8 budgets, secured $69.4 million to fund community violence intervention programs, using evidence-based solutions to tackle the root causes of community violence.   

• Increased ongoing investments into the Michigan State Police by more than $250 million.  

• Enacted a budget that reinforces the commitment to keep Michigan communities safe through critical investments in law enforcement, first responders, victim support services, emergency preparedness, and community safety programs. 

• Supported a substantial 20% pay increase for troopers and sergeants that began October 1, 2025. 

• Signed legislation to help communities retain police officers. 

• Launched Operation Safe Neighborhoods to reduce gun violence by getting over 1,000 illegal guns off the street before they could be used in the commission of a crime. 

• Announced protocols so EMS responders can carry emergency contraception and are prepared to work with sexual assault survivors. 

• Invested millions to expand the use of body cameras, provide de-escalation trainings and other professional development and training efforts for law enforcement.   

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