Aurora Fire Rescue highlights citywide community-education push, school trainings and Stop the Bleed clinics

Edward Manzo, who identified himself as the presenter for Aurora Fire Rescue’s Community Education Program, told the Public Safety, Courts and Civil Service Policy Committee that the unit was built after citywide outreach to departments, schools and residents and is organized around four focus areas: prevention, preparedness, life‑saving skills and targeted strategies.

"The safest emergency is the one where we can work," Manzo said, describing the department’s emphasis on preventing incidents and improving community readiness. He said the program prioritizes accessibility—removing language and participation barriers—data‑informed planning and targeted work in neighborhoods identified by a new community education dashboard.

Manzo described recent wins including monthly Stop the Bleed clinics open to all residents and a partnership with Aurora Public Schools and health departments that certified about 200 high school students at three schools; a fourth school was on deck. He said the department plans to add CPR certification so students graduate with both CPR and Stop the Bleed training.

Manzo also described partnerships with libraries, Aurora Housing and UCHealth, and a public safety field day organized with community groups. He said community engagements have grown from roughly 50 two years ago to about one request per day, a sign of rising demand for outreach.

In committee discussion, members praised the program’s expansion and asked about volunteer roles; Manzo said the program relies primarily on community partners rather than a formal volunteer corps and that staff would follow up on ways the public can assist.

The committee meeting continued with other business; no formal action on the program itself was recorded. The committee confirmed its next meeting for June 11, 2026, at 11 a.m.