The provision of discounts and freebies to police officers and other first responders is a common practice aimed at recognising their service. These offers span a wide range of categories, including retail, dining, automotive, travel, and entertainment. Access to these deals is often contingent on verification of employment status, typically through services like ID.me, SheerID, or GovX. The following article outlines the types of offers available, the eligibility criteria, and the processes for claiming them, based on information from promotional guides and brand announcements. It is important to note that offers, prices, savings, and local participation may vary, and many deals are subject to change or specific terms and conditions.
Understanding Eligibility and Verification
Many brands and service providers extend discounts to police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and emergency medical technicians (EMTs). Eligibility is generally limited to active, off-duty, or retired personnel, and sometimes extends to their dependents. Verification is a key step in the process. Some companies require in-person presentation of a valid work ID, while others use third-party verification services for online purchases. These services, such as ID.me, SheerID, or VerifyPass, allow individuals to create an account, verify their employment status, and then access exclusive discounts across numerous brands. Some retailers also use automated browser extensions like Honey to search for applicable discount codes at checkout.
Retail and Apparel Discounts
A number of retail brands offer percentage-based discounts on clothing, footwear, and accessories. These offers are typically valid on full-priced items and cannot usually be combined with other promotions.
- Affliction: Offers a 15% discount on any purchase, valid for active or retired service men and women.
- Allen Edmonds: Provides a 15% discount on purchases, valid on full-priced products only. This discount cannot be combined with factory second pricing, promotions, or any other offers.
- Jockey: Offers a 10% discount on a purchase for police officers.
- Levi’s: Provides a 25% discount on all apparel.
- Lululemon: Offers a 25% discount, available in-store only.
- Madewell: Provides a 15% discount online and in stores.
- Nike: Issues a single-use promo code for 10% off most items.
- Nine Line Apparel: Offers a 20% discount on a purchase.
- Oakley: Provides free membership into the Oakley Standard Issue Program.
- Overstock.com: Offers free Club O membership.
- Puma: Provides a 20% discount on purchases.
- Reebok: Offers a 30% discount on footwear and apparel.
- Rhone Activewear: Provides a 10% discount for first responders and police officers.
- Rothy’s: Offers a 20% discount on select styles and colours for law enforcement and police officers.
- Roxy: Provides a 15% off purchases.
- Tommie Copper: Offers a 15% discount site-wide, but it cannot be combined with any other deals.
- Under Armour: Provides a 10% discount in-store and online, with potential for higher discounts during certain promotional periods.
- Vera Bradley: Offers a 15% discount on VeraBradley.com to registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, nurse practitioners, physicians, dentists, and physician assistants.
- Vineyard Vines: Provides a 15% off purchases every 30 days.
Electronics and Home Goods
Discounts are also available on electronics, home appliances, and related devices.
- Samsung: The Samsung First Responders Offers programme provides discounts on mobile phones, wearables, home entertainment, and home appliances.
- LG: The LG Community Heroes discount includes a best-price guarantee and free installation on refrigerators, cooking ranges, and laundry appliances, as well as free shipping.
- Apple: Offers government employees special pricing on some personal electronic devices. To redeem, individuals can visit a specific page and select their affiliation (shop for agency or shop for self).
- GoPro: Provides a 15% discount on full-price GoPro products for police officers and other first responders.
- HP: The HP Frontline Heroes Stores award discounts up to 40%, along with free shipping and easy returns, to police and other first responders.
- Theragun: Offers a 20% discount on any regularly priced Theragun device.
Dining and Food Offers
Discounts on food and dining are available both nationally and locally. For national chains, offers can vary by location and often require the presentation of a valid ID.
- Chick-fil-A: Deals vary by location regarding discounts for police officers and law enforcement officials.
- Dave & Busters: Deals vary by location, with discounts ranging from 10-20% off food and/or game play, or free $10 playing cards. A valid ID is required.
- Home Chef: Offers 50% off the first order and 10% off later orders.
- Outback Steakhouse: Provides a 10% discount on the entire check, all day, every day.
- El Pollo Loco: Offers a 15% first responder discount to police, EMTs, and firefighters with valid proof of employment.
- National First Responders Day: This annual event on October 28 honours first responders with freebies at national chain restaurants. These range from free cookies to free entrees. Most deals do not require a purchase but do require presenting an ID.
Automotive and Travel Discounts
Offers extend to automotive services, car rentals, and travel.
Automotive
- Budget Truck Rental: Offers 20% off local moves and 15% off one-way moves, seven days a week.
- Dollar Car: Provides 5% off rentals, unlimited mileage, and free upgrades. Free membership to the Dollar Express Rewards Program is included.
- Ford & General Motors: Savings depend on location and can vary at different times.
- Fox Rent A Car: Offers an extra 10% discount to police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and other first responders. A specific booking code is required.
- Hertz: Offers discounted rates and space upgrades for police officers. Exclusive discounts and free upgrades are also available for first responders currently employed by the government, for official or leisure travel.
- Sixt: Provides a 5% discount on car rentals to active firefighters and law enforcement personnel. A valid ID is required after booking online.
- Volkswagen: Active U.S. first responders can get a $500 cash bonus when they lease or buy a new Volkswagen vehicle.
Travel
- Amtrak: Offers exclusive travel discounts to first responders who are employed by a government agency or organisation.
- Caesars Palace: Provides discounts at most Caesars Palace-owned hotel and restaurant locations in Las Vegas and across the country.
- Walt Disney World: Recommends checking the special offers, deals, and discounts page before booking. Discounts may also be available through Id.me.
- Sandals Resorts: Offers discounts for those able to visit a Sandals Resort.
Entertainment and Recreation
Various entertainment venues offer discounted or free access.
- Shedd Aquarium: Police officers and firefighters in Chicago receive free general admission when presenting a valid ID. Exclusions apply.
- Sky Zone Trampoline Park: First responders with valid ID can buy discounted tickets; the discount varies by location.
- Stratz Center: Offers two discounted tickets on select shows to individual first responders with valid ID. This is not available online or over the phone, and restrictions apply.
- Ticket Club: EMTs, police officers, and firefighters can get a free Ticket Club membership when signing in with ID.me to verify eligibility.
- Whitewater Rafting Adventures: First responders are eligible for a 15% discount on admission fees. Proof of employment or proper ID is required.
Other Notable Offers
- Costco: Offers a $20 Costco Cash Card for joining.
- Verizon: Eligible for $30 per line for certain unlimited plans. Full plan details are available on Verizon’s website.
- Homes for Heroes: This organisation offers a local deals page to save money on title companies, movers, and more. Membership includes direct pricing and membership-specific items like uniform-approved and protective eyewear.
Conclusion
A wide array of discounts and freebies is available to police officers and other first responders across multiple sectors. These offers are a gesture of appreciation for their service and can provide significant savings. To access these deals, individuals typically need to verify their status, either in person with an ID or through online verification services. It is crucial for consumers to check the specific terms and conditions of each offer, as details such as discount percentages, applicable products, and geographical restrictions can vary. Always verify the current status of any offer directly with the brand or service provider before making a purchase.