Austin ISD Police
Community Member Lifesaving Award
Austin Fire Department members with Engine 23 assist Damian with a helmet before taking him on a ride in their firetruck, one of the same firetrucks that responded to his 911 call in January.
I served as a lead project manager for the event: Creating the ceremony agenda and communications plan, writing talking points for speakers, working closely with campus leadership and the AISD Police Department to arrange external organizations to join us. My day-of responsibilities included coordinating with local media to schedule interviews, event timekeeper, live social media and photography.
Event
Austin ISD Police Department Community Member Lifesaving Awards Ceremony,
honoring Guerrero Thompson Elementary student Damian
April 2021
Services
Event Planning & Production, Government Relations, Media Relations,
Creative Services: Photography/Social Media
Project Description
The Austin ISD Police Department recognized a Guerrero Thompson Elementary School student with the Community Member Lifesaving Award for his heroic efforts during the Longspur Crossing Apartments fire in January 2021. Fifth-grade student Damian was the first to place a 911 call and alert other residents in the building of the need to evacuate. 29 people were displaced by the fire, but luckily there were no injuries.
To honor his brave actions, an awards ceremony was organized in collaboration between the Austin ISD Department of Communications & Community Engagement, AISD Police Department, Guerrero Thompson Elementary staff, Austin Fire Department and Austin Travis County EMS to surprise Damian at his school.
All Guerrero Thompson Grizzlies fifth-graders attended the awards ceremony in the cafeteria.
Our partners at the Austin Fire Department swore Damian in as an Honorary Fire Marshall, and gave him a ride in one of the fire trucks.
Damian's mom Danay becomes emotional during the superintendent's speech about her son's bravery.
Fellow students are #AISDProud of Damian!
“I never doubted myself. If there’s someone in trouble, that’s when I know I have to do something quick.”
Fist bumps with the police chief.
KVUE News segment of the event.
AISD.TV interviews Damian and his mom.
Media Coverage
Prior to the event, I drafted a press release which was sent to news directors and reporters at local media outlets, securing the attendance of KVUE and the Austin American-Statesman. Hi-res images were offered to news outlets who were unable to attend, in case they wanted to mention this heartwarming story in their newscasts or websites.
Damian was also recognized by AISD Superintendent Dr. Stephanie S. Elizalde and the Board of Trustees during a Board Meeting later in the month.
“This kid put himself in harm’s way helping his neighbors. That’s a pretty big accomplishment. I mean, that took a lot of bravery. Fortunately, no one was injured. No one lost their life. And I believe it’s a direct result of his actions.”
Students at Guerrero Thompson Elementary used their creativity and art skills to make posters congratulating Damian on his award. The posters decorated the cafeteria for the awards ceremony.