First Responders are at the heart of our communities. EMTs, Firefighters, Police Officers and so many more go the extra mile to protect and serve us everyday. We want to say thank you by surprising these extraordinary people with Random Acts of BBQ®, and we’re asking you to nominate a first responder you know who makes a difference.
Table of Contents
Nominate a Hometown Hero
Know that police officer who is especially dedicated to her community? Or how about a firefighter who volunteers his free time to a local charity? That’s the story we want to celebrate. Nominate a First Responder for a surprise Random Act of BBQ® feast, it takes just a few minutes to share how they make a difference. Our local Sonny’s teams will choose the winners to surprise with slow-smoked BBQ as a heartfelt thank-you.
Surprises That Warmed Our Hearts
We’ve had the honor of surprising remarkable First Responders with BBQ feasts, moments that remind us why community, kindness, and barbecue belong together. Here are just a few from past and present members of our Kindness Crew that we particularly enjoyed being a part of.
Clay County Sheriff’s Office (Jacksonville, FL)
Kindness Crew member Jessica surprised seven deputies with Random Acts of BBQ certificates. They helped Jessica through some personal situations in the past, and once helped get her money back when her wallet was stolen. She says that she has always felt safe in her community and gives them all the credit for making the community a safe place to live happily. Jessica and former Chief Kindness Officer Kennon surprised the Sheriff’s Office with a catered BBQ feast full of pulled pork, chicken, mac and cheese, coleslaw, BBQ beans, and cornbread.
Haines City Fire Department (Haines City, FL)
Miss Rose at the Haines City Sonny’s wanted to give back to her local firefighters for all they do for her community, so she decided to cater lunch for them. She also surprised them with RABBQ Free Meal Coupons for them to pass out to anyone they might know in need of a free warm meal. The firefighters loved the idea of being able to help their local community with the coupons and promised to pass them out whenever they could.
Clearwater Fire Departments (Clearwater, FL)
Former Chief Kindness Officer Tara Boyle wanted to show her local firefighters that they make a difference in her life. So, she loaded up some Catering vans and hit the road, stopping by three fire stations in her area and dropping off some delicious BBQ for them to enjoy.
How It Works (Quick + Easy)
- Nominate a First Responder: Share who they are and why they deserve a surprise BBQ feast.
- Local Selection: Your nomination goes to the Sonny’s restaurant in that community. Our teams read every submission and select local winners whose stories embody service, kindness, and impact.
- The Surprise: We coordinate with loved ones, coworkers, or leadership to show up with a feast, slow-smoked meats, classic sides, and plenty of sweet tea, and celebrate their service.
- Share the Smile: We love to spread the good by sharing photos and stories (when appropriate) to inspire more kindness across our area.
Tip: The more specific your story (what they did, who they helped, the impact it had), the easier it is for our teams to bring that gratitude moment to life.
What to Include in a Nomination
- Name, role, and agency (Fire/EMS/Police)
- City/Community they serve
- Specific story of above-and-beyond service (what happened and why it mattered)
- Best contact for coordinating a surprise (it can be you or a colleague/family member)
The Spirit Behind Random Acts of BBQ®
Random Acts of BBQ® is part of our broader ‘Q The Kindness mission to lift up local heroes and spark more good in every community we serve. If you’ve seen a First Responder step in with heart, we want to hear about it, and we’d be honored to deliver a BBQ thank-you right to them.
