MISSOULA, MT — Firefighters, law enforcement officers, emergency medical service professionals and other emergency personnel are being recognized today by the U.S. Postal Service at a special first-day-of issue ceremony for the Honoring First Responders Forever stamp.

“Our nation’s first responders rush into life-threatening situations for the benefit of others,” said Guy Cottrell, the Postal Inspection Service’s Chief Postal Inspector and dedicating official. “The Postal Service is pleased to honor their skill, dedication and unfailing bravery with this stamp."

The ceremony was held at the Aerial Fire Depot and Smokejumper Center in Missoula, MT, home to the nation’s largest training center for firefighters who parachute into remote areas of national forests to combat wildfires.

Artist Brian Stauffer worked with art director and designer Antonio Alcalá and designer Ricky Altizer to create this stamp. As a contributing artist to The New York Times, Time magazine, The New Yorker and other publications worldwide, Stauffer’s illustrations are best known for bridging traditional and digital realms to create a conceptual take on social issues.

Emergencies of all varieties and scales occur in our communities every day, from crimes and medical incidents to accidents and fires. These critical situations require men and women who possess the training and knowledge to rescue the endangered, treat the injured, and restore safety and order. First responders are found throughout our society, from small townships to the federal government. They include a wide range of law enforcement professionals and public safety personnel, from air marshals and transit police officers, to ski patrollers, park rangers, and fish and game wardens. For many, it is a volunteer job; for others, it is their full-time occupation.

Social media enthusiasts are encouraged to use #HonoringFirstResponders and #FirstRespondersStamps when sharing news about the new stamp.

Customers may purchase the stamps through the Postal Store at usps.com/shop, by calling 800-STAMP24 (800-782-6724) or at Post Office locations nationwide. Philatelic products, including first-day-of issue postmarks and covers for this stamp, may be ordered online at USA Philatelic under “Collectors.” Video of the ceremony will be available on Facebook.

The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

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