Successful Encino CPR Class Sparks Vision for Expanded Valley-Wide Program
Monday, August 10, 2026
LAFD Spokesperson: Jennifer Middleton
LAFD Leaders and Community Stand Ready: Battalion Chief Robert J. Barna (second from left) and Firefighter/Paramedic Jason Lawrence (second from right) join LAFD instructors and a classroom of dedicated community members at the Encino Community Center. The team stands equipped with essential training props, including a CPR manikin, an anatomical heart model, and an AED trainer, celebrating a successful day of lifesaving education in the San Fernando Valley.
Photo Credits:
LAFDEncino-
The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) Operations Valley Bureau recently hosted a highly successful Community CPR and Basic First Aid training event at the Encino Community Center, equipping dozens of local residents with essential, lifesaving skills. The event highlights the department's ongoing commitment to community resilience and emergency preparedness.
High Turnout Demonstrates Community Need
The training session saw a robust turnout, with 78 community members gathering to learn critical emergency response techniques. Thanks to the rigorous curriculum and the dedication of the participants, the LAFD issued 53 official CPR certification cards by the end of the day. The seamless execution of the event was made possible through a collaborative effort between LAFD personnel and community volunteers:
- 78 local residents received lifesaving education.
- 53 official CPR certification cards were successfully issued.
- 11 Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) volunteers provided vital event support.
- 3 dedicated instructors delivered the comprehensive training.
Department Members Step Up
Special recognition goes to the instructional team whose expertise guided the attendees. Firefighter/Paramedic (FF/PM) Jason Lawrence once again served as a lead instructor, continuing his instrumental role in driving the success of the Valley's community training efforts. Demonstrating the deep personal commitment of LAFD members, Operations Valley Bureau (OVB) EMS Educator Anthony Keehne volunteered eight hours of his personal day off to ensure the community received highest-caliber instruction.
Looking Ahead: Expanding Lifesaving Education
The strong attendance and enthusiastic feedback from the Encino event underscore a growing demand for accessible medical training throughout the San Fernando Valley. In response to requests for additional classes, Battalion Chief Robert J. Barna of Battalion 10 has outlined a vision to significantly scale the program. With a projected funding goal of $35,000 to purchase modern CPR manikins and certify additional LAFD members as instructors, the Operations Valley Bureau aims to build the internal capacity required to host multiple Community CPR classes each month. This expansion would create a network of monthly training opportunities at various locations across the Valley, strengthening public safety and community outreach.
The LAFD will continue to explore funding avenues and equipment acquisition to turn this expanded vision into a reality.
