Celebrating Our Heroes: National First Responders Day

National First Responders Day is a time to recognize the courage and dedication of those who put their lives on the line to protect and serve. Every day, across our communities, these brave individuals respond to emergencies, disasters, and crises, often at great personal risk. At Nuvision Credit Union, we’re proud to honor the first responders who serve with unwavering commitment, and we’re especially excited to feature five remarkable heroes this year: Andrew Mackie, Sean Keating, Taylor Davoren, Tim Keating, and Trevor McLean. 

First responders are the backbone of our safety, often the first on the scene when disaster strikes. From police officers and firefighters to EMTs and rescue workers, their jobs require bravery, resilience, and a deep sense of duty to the community. They rush into situations the rest of us run from, tackling fires, medical emergencies, accidents, and violent crimes. It’s their training, experience, and quick thinking that often make the difference between life and death. 

As Andrew Mackie, Marine Safety Captain of the Year with the Huntington Beach Fire Department, puts it, “It’s not just about saving lives on the beach; it’s about training the next generation to carry on that legacy.” Andrew has dedicated his career to lifeguarding, ocean rescue, and mentorship, leading the Marine Safety Dive Team and serving as a Wildlife Liaison. His work exemplifies the balance between leadership and action that defines so many first responders. 

Read more about Andrew here

For Sean Keating, a Senior Patrol Officer with the Anchorage Police Department, every call is a chance to make a difference. With twenty years of service on the force, Sean has been on the frontlines of some of Anchorage’s most challenging situations. “You have to go from a parking dispute to a homicide, and keep your focus. No matter how small the problem, it’s a big deal to the people calling for help,” Sean explained. His dedication to building trust within the community, alongside his leadership in training the next generation of officers, speaks volumes about the character it takes to be a true first responder. 

Read more about Sean here

Taylor Davoren, Huntington Beach Police Officer of the Year, has made it her mission to help young people find better paths. Having served as a school resource officer, Taylor believes in the importance of connecting with the youth in her community. “It’s all about building trust. I just talk to them honestly, and that’s where the real change happens,” she shared. Her work in juvenile investigations and community programs has left a lasting impact, showing how much difference one officer can make. 

Read more about  Taylor here

On the firefighting front, Tim Keating, Huntington Beach Fire Captain and Firefighter of the Year, knows the importance of mentorship and leadership. “It’s not just about putting out fires—it’s about being there for your team and making sure everyone gets home safe at the end of the day.” Tim has spent years building relationships with his fellow firefighters and city leaders, and he’s been a constant source of support for his community. His commitment to service was recognized when he became the first firefighter in his department to receive the key to the city. 

Read more about Tim here

Then there’s Trevor McLean, a Firefighter/EMT with the Anchorage Fire Department and a Fire Protection Specialist with the Alaska Air National Guard. Trevor is a man driven by personal experience—after losing his brother in a tragic motorcycle accident, he realized just how critical the role of first responders is in people’s lives. “I want to be there for people on their worst days, just like others were there for my family,” he said. Whether responding to fires, performing rescues, or training for his role with the Air National Guard, Trevor’s dedication to making a difference is evident in every action he takes. 

Read more about Trevor here

Nuvision Credit Union is proud to stand with the people who always step up. First responders don’t just respond—they lead, protect, and keep our communities going, day after day. That’s why we proudly partner with local organizations and initiatives that help first responders, such as Shop with a Cop, Operation Warm, and the Angel Tree program. It’s our way of giving back to the people who give everything for us. 

This National First Responders Day, we honor heroes like Andrew, Sean, Taylor, Tim, Trevor, and all the first responders that serve our communities. Their bravery and dedication remind us of the importance of community, teamwork, and selfless service. They are the unsung heroes, and today, we say thank you.