First Responders Appreciation Breakfast 2026 9/10/2026 7:00 AM - 9/10/2026 10:00 AM

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 20:44:16 GMT

Registration | 7 - 7:45 a.m.
Breakfast | 7:45 - 8:15 a.m.
Program | 8:10 - 9:30 a.m.
Vehicle Display | 7 - 10 a.m.

The Triangle's Annual First Responders Appreciation Breakfast

This annual event provides an opportunity for the business community to show appreciation for those who risk their lives to save others in our community. Our program includes awards to heroes from each department for outstanding service in the previous year. This year's program will feature a keynote presentation from Jeffrey Smythe, Senior Advisor for Homeland Security, North Carolina Office of the Governor.

Governor Josh Stein appointed Jeffrey Smythe as Senior Advisor for Homeland Security effective August 10, 2026. In this role, Smythe serves as the Governor's senior advisor on homeland security, with primary responsibility for critical infrastructure security, cybersecurity, threat assessment, and preparedness for emerging threats. He works across state and local government - and with law enforcement, first responders, federal partners, and the private sector - to promote a unified, intelligence-informed approach to preventing, preparing for, responding to, and recovering from threats to North Carolina. Immediately prior to this appointment, Smythe served for seven months as Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, leading the state cabinet agency responsible for emergency management, homeland security, the North Carolina National Guard, juvenile justice, alcohol law enforcement, and other critical public safety functions.

Before becoming Secretary, Smythe served from August 2021 through December 2025 as Director of the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Division within the North Carolina Department of Justice. In that role, he led the state division responsible for the certification, education, training, and professional standards of North Carolina's law enforcement and criminal justice officers.

Smythe previously served as Chief of Police in Burlington, North Carolina, and Show Low, Arizona, during a 35-year law enforcement career. He began his career as a police officer with the Arizona State University Police Department in Tempe. A Philadelphia native, Smythe earned a bachelor's degree from Arizona State University and a master's degree from Northern Arizona University. He is also a graduate of Northwestern University's School of Police Staff and Command and the FBI National Academy.

No refunds after September 2.

Questions?
For program/agenda questions, call 919.664.7017 or email Mikayla Medley.
For logistics questions or ADA needs, call 919.664.7011 or email Jen Palmer.
For registration questions, call 919.664.7033 or email Alea Morales.
For sponsorship information, email sales@raleighchamber.org.

Join the conversation on social media!
@raleighchamber
#FRAB26

Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce Events Newswire

First Responders Appreciation Breakfast 2026 9/10/2026 7:00 AM - 9/10/2026 10:00 AM