Bailey’s Fine Jewelry is showing its appreciation for those who protect the communities Bailey’s serves through the company’s second annual First Responder Hero Awards. Nine North Carolina heroes will be recognized, one from each of the three main branches of first responders – fire, law enforcement and emergency medical personnel – in the Raleigh, Rocky Mount and Greenville communities.

Nominations will begin being accepted through Facebook Tuesday, June 21 and will close Sunday, July 31. Nominees’ professions must fall under the category of first responder and they must serve Raleigh, Rocky Mount, Greenville or surrounding communities. There is a limit of one entry per Facebook account and a person can only be nominated once. Those who submit a nomination are automatically in the running for a $50 gift card to Bailey’s.

“Bailey’s is a North Carolina born-and-bred company and the communities we serve are extremely important to us,” said Trey Bailey of Bailey’s Fine Jewelry. “There are so many amazing first responders that provide us with the safety, security and service so many of us often take for granted. We started the First Responder Hero Awards last year and were truly moved by the nominations we received. We’re looking forward to this year’s nominations and recognizing these amazing people for their daily sacrifices with our second annual First Responder Hero Awards.”

After all submissions are received, there will be an opportunity to vote for the candidates. The voting period ends Friday, Aug. 19. Winners of the First Responder Hero Awards will be selected through a combination of the public voting process and Bailey’s selection panel.

Winners will receive a medal and $200 gift card in a presentation with the Bailey’s store manager.