PORTSMOUTH, NH (February 26, 2026) – Continuing its commitment to New England’s first responders through its 73 Reasons campaign, Service Credit Union has announced the launch of a new community recognition initiative, Hero of the Season.
In the month of March, community members are invited to nominate a deserving first responder at servicecu.org/73reasons/#nominate. Eligible nominees include police officers, firefighters, paramedics, EMTs, and dispatchers who demonstrate exceptional dedication to their communities.
One nominee will be randomly selected in early April to receive a signed Charlie McAvoy hockey puck, and their story will be featured on Service Credit Union’s social channels.
Supporting the communities it serves has long been central to Service Credit Union’s mission. Through 73 Reasons, a community-driven campaign rooted in gratitude, the credit union has provided critical health screenings and financial support to first responders across New England.
At the heart of the campaign is Service Credit Union’s partnership with Boston defenseman and 2026 U.S. men’s hockey Olympic gold medalist Charlie McAvoy, whose commitment to giving back reflects the credit union’s values. Together, they have spotlighted first responders who serve their communities every day, often without recognition.
New England’s firefighters and police officers face significant health risks in the line of duty. For firefighters, cancer is a leading occupational hazard. For many police officers, heart disease poses a serious threat. Yet the screening tests designed to detect these conditions early are not always fully covered by insurance.
Through 73 Reasons, Service Credit Union helps fund cancer screenings for firefighters and heart disease screenings for police officers throughout the region.
To date, the credit union has committed nearly $1 million in screenings and donations to first responder organizations. That investment has funded more than 600 cancer screenings for firefighters and 1,000 heart screenings for police officers. Several of these screenings have resulted in early cancer detections, allowing individuals to seek treatment at a critical stage.
“Hero of the Season gives our members and neighbors an opportunity to share powerful stories of service and gratitude,” said Jaime Yates, AVP of Community Development at Service CU. “We know there are countless everyday heroes among us, and we’re honored to help shine a light on their impact.”
To learn more about the 73 Reasons campaign or to submit a nomination, visit servicecu.org/73reasons.
About Service Credit Union
Service Credit Union is dedicated to providing a banking experience that improves members’ lives and the communities in which they live. Established in 1957 to provide affordable credit to the Pease Air Force Base community, and now the largest credit union in New England with over $6 billion in assets and 50 branch locations in the New England region and Germany, we continue to provide a better future to our members all over the world. To learn more about Service Credit Union, please visit www.servicecu.org.
