Carl Biery was named the 2025 National First Responder of the Year by the National Association of Convenience Stores Foundation.
Biery was the inaugural recipient of the award, which was established in 2025 to recognize local heroes who demonstrate extraordinary courage and commitment to their communities. Biery was selected out of more than 70 nominations from across the country.
In recognition of this honor, the National Association of Convenience Stores Foundation awarded him free gasoline and beverages for one year.
Biery joined the American Red Cross as a volunteer in 1969 and has helped in the aftermath of more than 4,500 emergencies. His 55-year career includes responding to many of the most significant tragedies in the nation’s history, including assisting families during the 1977 Beverly Hills Supper Club fire in Southgate, providing support following the 1979 Cincinnati Who concert tragedy, aiding devastated families in the wake of the 1988 Carrollton bus crash, serving at the Pentagon following the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 and deploying to Alabama to organize relief operations and shelters for victims of Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
“The Campbell County fiscal court extends its deepest gratitude for his lifetime of selfless service, and for the honor he brings to Campbell County,” said Campbell County Judge/Executive Steve Pendery in a press release.
Biery continues to lead a response team across six counties covering more than 1,200 square miles.