Watch CBS News

First Responders In Aurora Shooting Honored

AURORA, Colo. (CBS4) - An event that singled out some of the first responders the night of the Aurora theater shooting was held Thursday.

In exactly two months to the day after the tragedy Aurora city officials thought it might be nice to do something that may have got lost in the shuffle during that time -- to give the first responders a proper thank you.

It was a small but meaningful token of gratitude for service and sacrifice.

"This is part of our recovery and our healing process. There's no question that out of all the tragedy that happened we saw some really amazing acts of bravery, courage, heroism," said Sen. Morgan Carroll, D-Aurora.

"I thank them every day when I see them on the street. It's very nice to be able to see people who were actually there and thank them in person," Aurora resident Bridget Marion said.

Officer T.J. Campagna with Aurora police was one of the first responders who rushed to the movie theater on July 20. Like a true public servant he downplays the hero label.

"The overall feeling of most of the officers who were there is that this is what we signed up to do," Campagna said.

But he says getting thanks from the Aurora community is nice.

"It really helps us to see that everybody is appreciative, it helps the people to show appreciation as well, I think, to talk about it," Campagna said.

Campagna knows that Aurora is a changed city.

"I know that it's changed the way that I live and think, especially when I'm going to places in public with my family," he said. "Can't really go to a movie without thinking about it now."

He says if community members become more aware of their surroundings and each other, it might mean some good came out of such a tragedy.

Another purpose of the evening was to provide community members with information about the resources available to help keep them safe.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.