CHESTER, Conn. — Whelen Engineering, the industry leader in emergency warning and lighting technology, is proud to announce that nominations are now open for its 2026 Everyday Champion program. The annual initiative honors individuals who demonstrate exceptional bravery, selflessness, and dedication to making their communities safer.
Each year, the Everyday Champion program recognizes those who go above and beyond-whether through a single act of heroism or a continued commitment to serving others. Past honorees have included law enforcement officers, firefighters, paramedicine teams, and civilians whose actions made a life-saving difference.
“Everyday Champion is about shining a light on the people who step up when it matters most,” said Geoff Marsh, CEO of Whelen Engineering. “These individuals don’t seek recognition, but their impact deserves to be seen, shared, and celebrated.”
Nominations are open from May 1 through August 14, 2026. Individuals can nominate a deserving hero by visiting whelen.com/everydaychampion and completing a brief submission form outlining their story.
The selected 2026 Everyday Champion will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, North Carolina, where they will be honored during a special ceremony and inducted into the Whelen Hall of Champions. In addition, a generous donation will be made in their name to the charity of their choice.
In 2025, Whelen recognized Jen Elleraas as its Everyday Champion, honoring her outstanding commitment to serving others and making a meaningful impact within her community. Her story, along with those of past honorees, can be viewed on Whelen’s YouTube channel.
Whelen encourages individuals, departments, and organizations across the country to participate by submitting nominations and sharing the program with their networks to help identify this year’s honoree.
For more information or to submit a nomination, visit whelen.com/everydaychampion.
Since 1952, Whelen Engineering has been a proud ally and supporter of our nation’s first responders. Driven by a mission to protect those who others, Whelen provides the high quality, reliable products and technology needed to aid them in their critical missions. From warning lights to white illumination, sirens, controllers, and software, every product that bears the Whelen name has been thoughtfully designed, manufactured, and tested right here in America to perform at the highest level in any condition. Whelen strives to ensure that the everyday heroes serving under the illumination and protection of its products are equipped to do their jobs with enhanced efficiency, reliability, and safety.