Aiken Public Safety officers are now trained to better serve the community.

Each officer is qualified as a first responder. That means they're trained to use items like oxygen tanks, and defibrillators, which they carry in their cars. The equipment includes more items than you would find in most first aid kits, but less than you would find in an ambulance.

“The most commonly used tool in our first response kits are the blood pressure cuffs and stethoscopes occasionally. Some bandages, things like that. Most of this stuff doesn't get used very often but when you need it your glad that it's there,” Sergeant Aaron Dowdy said.

Aiken was recognized by the state for its first responder training. The officers were awarded the Municipal Cup for innovation.