Aurora City Hall staffer saves life of resident, second heroic effort this year

To be hailed as a hero is special. To be recognized as such twice so far this year surpasses all expectations.

An Aurora City Hall staff member will be honored on Tuesday, May 7, for his lifesaving heroic efforts for the second time this year.

Aurora Community Engagement Specialist Brian Moreno, 27, went into quick-thinking, fast-action mode on Thursday, April 25 when a resident became unresponsive during an evening neighborhood group meeting.

Shortly before the meeting began, a 63-year-old resident collapsed at the top of a stairwell and lost consciousness. After seeing foam come out of his mouth and feeling no pulse, Moreno used put his training into action and began performing CPR, pumping the resident’s chest repeatedly for more than two minutes.

As the ambulance arrived, the resident’s heart began to beat again, and he regained consciousness. He was then transported to the hospital for treatment.

“It was like a scene from a movie and Brian stepped in with a calm, professional demeanor to save a life,” said Aurora Ward 1 Alderman Emmanuel Llamas who called 911 as Moreno performed CPR.

“I didn’t have time to be scared,” said Moreno. “I just knew I had to help save him and went into action.”

In January, Moreno’s same quick-thinking actions saved lives of dozens of overnight guests at the city’s warming center when an 18-year-old gunman entered wielding a gun.

Moreno, who was staffing the warming center, witnessed the gunman striking a guest at the with his gun before pointing the firearm at other overnight guests. Moreno quickly called 911 while helping to usher guests outside to safety.

“Brian is hero twice over,” said Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin who will present Moreno with an award during Tuesday night’s city council meeting.