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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFirestone Police Department Launches Blue Heart Initiative - 6/30/2026Firestone Police Department Launches Blue Heart Initiative to Strengthen Safety, Understanding, and Community Trust The Firestone Police Department is proud to announce the launch of the Blue Heart Initiative, a new community-based program designed to strengthen relationships between first responders and individuals with visible and non-visible disabilities, including those who are neurodivergent or living with mental health or medical conditions. Developed in partnership with community members, the Blue Heart Initiative focuses on building awareness, enhancing communication, and creating safer interactions before emergencies occur. Through specialized training, voluntary participation tools, and community engagement, the program aims to foster trust, understanding, and more positive outcomes for everyone involved. "The Blue Heart Initiative is about building relationships before a crisis ever happens," said Bryce Borders, Deputy Chief of Police for the Firestone Police Department. "By working together with families and providing our officers with additional training and resources, we can better serve members of our community who may have unique communication, sensory, or medical needs. This program reflects our commitment to compassionate, community-centered policing." The Blue Heart Initiative includes several key components: Blue Heart Sticker Program – Families may voluntarily display a Blue Heart sticker on their home or vehicle to discreetly indicate that someone in the household may have unique communication, sensory, or medical needs. Specialized Officer Training – Firestone Police officers are receiving training to recognize the Blue Heart symbol and respond with greater patience, awareness, and understanding. Community Engagement Events – Opportunities for families and first responders to connect in welcoming, educational settings through hands-on activities and open conversations. Confidential Disability Information Book – Families may choose to provide confidential information about a loved one's communication preferences, behaviors, medical considerations, or emergency contacts to assist first responders during emergency situations. The program is designed to benefit both residents and first responders. Families gain greater peace of mind knowing officers have additional information and training to help navigate emergencies with compassion and effective communication. First responders benefit from increased situational awareness, reducing the potential for misunderstandings while strengthening trust within the community. The Firestone Police Department also envisions working with families to expand the Blue Heart Initiative through partnerships with local schools, healthcare providers, and community organizations. Future goals include broadening specialized training opportunities and encouraging other Colorado agencies to adopt similar programs. Community members interested in learning more about the Blue Heart Initiative, requesting a Blue Heart sticker, or participating in the voluntary disability information program are encouraged to contact the Firestone Police Department at 303-833-0811 or visit https://www.firestoneco.gov/1887/Blue-Heart-Initiative. Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share via Email Copyright © 2026 Town of Firestone. All Rights Reserved. 9950 Park Ave., Firestone, CO 80504 Powered by