BHC, community honor area first responders, civilian heroes
Black Hawk College recently honored area first responders for their contributions, sacrifices and dedication to public service.
6th Annual First Responders Appreciation Event
Show appreciation to first responders and explore careers in Criminal Justice.
Thursday, April 9, 2026 – 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Register, nominate and show thanks!
Our first responders risk their lives to help others. It’s time for us to thank them! Join us to explore career options in the criminal justice and public safety field. Participate in workshops to learn more about safety and security.
Event Details
Location: Building 3 and Lot 3
Discover
Explore career options in the criminal justice and public safety field.
- What is it like to be a police officer? EMT? Dispatcher? Firefighter?
- What skills do you need to develop to do the job well?
- What values are important in this field?
- What activities should you be involved in to prepare for your career?
Appreciate
Show your appreciation to those who protect us!
- Thank a responder.
- Nominate a hero in different categories.
Learn
Workshops (registration is required):
- Safety and Security in the Virtual World
- Safety and Security in the Real World
- First Aid (demo)
- Artificial Intelligence in Criminal Justice: What is coming?
Schedule
11:00 a.m.
Doors open.
11:30 – 11:40 a.m.
Opening remarks and welcome address.
11:40 a.m. – Noon
Recognition awards presentation.
Noon – 12:30 p.m.
Lunch
12:30 – 2:00 p.m.
Safety and Security Workshops
Event Registration
Attendee Registration
Participate in workshops to learn more about First Responder careers.
- Please register for the event and/or workshops.
- Registration is free for both the event and the workshops.
- Anyone can register for the workshops.
- Join short sessions to learn useful tips and practices about safety and security.
- Space is limited so register soon.
- Lunch will be provided for registered participants.
Employer Registration
Share information about careers in your field, meet students and BHC instructors, and learn how you can partner with BHC to train and retain a highly qualified workforce.
- Registration is free.
- One six-foot table will be provided indoors.
- If you have a vehicle or outdoor display, space will be available in Lot 3.
- Space is limited.
- Lunch will be provided.
Participating Agencies
- Advanced Medical Transport of Central Illinois (AMTCI)
- Bettendorf Police Department
- Colona Police Department
- East Moline Fire Department
- East Moline Police Department
- FCI Thomson
- Henry County Sheriff’s Office
- Illinois Department of Children & Family Services (DCFS)
- Illinois Department of Corrections
- Illinois State Police/Quad City Metropolitan Enforcement Group
- MercyOne Genesis Ambulance
- Moline Fire Department
- Moline Police Department
- Peoria Air National Guard
- Rock Island Arsenal – Guard Force
- Rock Island County Sheriff’s Office
- Rock Island Fire Department
- Rock Island Police Department
- Scott Emergency Communications Center
- Silvis Fire Department
About BHC First Responder Programs
First responders are trained persons who respond to an emergency or crisis call. They may be police officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, mental health counselors and psychologists, medical staff and doctors, crime scene technicians, child protective services workers, security guards or first-line soldiers in combat. An estimated 4.6 million people serve as career and volunteer firefighters, police officers, emergency medical technicians and paramedics in the United States. There are millions more when the workforce of clinical care and public health are considered.
Black Hawk College is here to support our heroes and train future first responders. Join us for the appreciation efforts and learn more about programs we offer for the first responders’ field.
Related News
BHC, community honor area first responders, civilian hero
November 2023 – Black Hawk College recently honored area first responders for their contributions, sacrifices and dedication to public service.
BHC, community honor six area first responders
November 2022 – Black Hawk College recently honored six area first responders for their contributions, sacrifices and dedication to public service.
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Venue
Building 3 Gymnasium
Black Hawk College
6600 34th Ave.
Moline, IL 61265
Park in Lot 3 off of 34th Avenue.