Patriot Day

Presented by Embassy Bank

Saturday, September 13

Join us on Saturday, September 13 from 7pm-7:30pm as we honor the 2025 ArtsQuest First Responder Valor Award recipient on the Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks, presented by Lehigh Valley Health Network part of Jefferson Health and the countless individuals in the Lehigh Valley who put themselves in harm’s way every day in order to serve our community.

This special event celebrates our nation’s first responders, law enforcement agencies, firefighters, military and emergency medical personnel. Highlighting the evening is the Our Hometown Heroes banner display, showcasing the amazing men and women who make a difference in our community day-in and day-out!

This year, ArtsQuest is presenting the 2025 ArtsQuest First Responder Valor Award to both Officer Andrew Wirth and Officer Joshua Hobson for their heroic actions during the fire at the 510 Flats apartment building on May 2, 2025. While many First Responders came together from all over the area in response, ArtsQuest and Bethlehem Police Chief Michelle Kott want to recognize Officer Wirth and Officer Hobson for their selfless and heroic actions in assisting a resident who was unable to safely evacuate the building on their own. Please join us in thanking them for their dedication to the Community.

Officer Wirth
Officer Andrew Wirth joined the Bethlehem Police Department 5 years ago with the goal of helping to build a better community. Whether it was assisting those in need or just a friendly interaction, Officer Wirth wanted to make a difference. Recently, he has been appointed as the School Resource Officer for Liberty High School where he is eager to interact with the youth in the community as a positive role model and help to guide them through any challenges they may face. Everyday Officer Wirth is reminded of why he chose to be a Police Officer through is various interaction with the community and is hoping to keep making Bethlehem a safe and strong community for years to come.

Officer Hobson
Officer Joshua Hobson began his career with the Bethlehem Police Department 13.5 years ago. Growing up with a close family friend in law enforcement, Officer Hobson listened to story after story about officers making impactful differences in the community not just through law enforcement, but in supporting and protecting the community. That dedication and respect for the community is what inspired Officer Hobson to pursue a career in law enforcement. Over his long career, he has created many long-lasting relationships. From youth turned adults that he helped mentor and watch become successful individuals, to individuals he assisted through very difficult situations while on duty, each one is a reminder of why he became an officer. Officer Hobson has taken many personal strides in improving his skills as not only a way to better help during those challenging situations, but also to be able to more effectively engage with different parts of the community. While his main goal is to educate and inspire the youth and continue watching those individuals lead successful lives, Officer Hobson does dream of becoming Seargent before retirement but is not in a hurry as he plans to continue serving for years to come.

Following the ceremony, The Aardvarks will take the stage at 7:30 p.m. Performing over ten years, the Aardvarks have become the premier rock band of the Lehigh Valley, mixing time periods and styles of covers and original music into their non-stop, high-energy sets.

Our Hometown Heroes – First Responders

presented by Embassy Bank

Thank you to anyone that has submitted for the 2025 display.
Submissions for 2026 will open up starting July 1st, 2026

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