Erie County clerk offers free passport photos to first responders

5-day appreciation promotion will save first responders regular $10 photo fee at all 3 passport acceptance centers

Submitted by the Office of Erie County Clerk Michael Kearns

In recognition of National First Responders Day on Sept. 28, Erie County Clerk Michael P. “Mickey” Kearns is thanking the men and women who serve the community by offering free passport photos to Erie County first responders from Sept. 26-30.

During the five-day appreciation promotion, eligible first responders will have the regular $10 passport photo fee waived at all three Erie County clerk passport acceptance centers.

“Our first responders don't get to choose when the call comes in – they simply answer it,” Kearns said. “Police officers, firefighters, EMTs, dispatchers and other first responders are there for us when we need them most. This is a small gesture of appreciation, but an important opportunity for our office to say thank you for your service and your commitment to the residents in Erie County.”

The offer is available to Erie County residents who are first responders at all three Erie County clerk passport acceptance centers:

√ Downtown Buffalo passport acceptance center at Old County Hall

√ Southtowns passport acceptance center at Southgate Plaza

√ Northtowns passport acceptance center at Eastern Hills Mall

First responders must provide proof of service at the time of their visit. The $10 passport photo fee will be waived during the Sept. 26-30 promotion only.

Kearns added, “National First Responders Day is a chance for all of us to recognize the people who run toward emergencies while the rest of us are running away. To every police officer, firefighter, EMT, dispatcher and first responder serving Erie County: Thank you for your courage, your sacrifice and your service.”

For additional information or assistance, contact the Erie County clerk’s outreach center at 716-858-8864 or visit erie.gov/clerk.