Military Veteran Launches CitySafe, a Bold New Public Safety Initiative Empowering New Yorkers to Act in Critical Moments

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
November 25th, 2025
CONTACT: info@citysafe.live

New York City — Michael Matos, U.S. Coast Guard veteran and former bodyguard, today announced the launch of CitySafe, a groundbreaking initiative designed to transform how communities prepare for and respond to emergencies.

“Public safety was the second most pressing issue for New Yorkers this election cycle, yet many proposed solutions remain rooted in outdated thinking,” said Matos. “More policing will never solve the problem alone. Response time will always work against us, and no city can assign first responders to accompany every individual. The real solution is empowering everyday people to act in those first critical moments. That’s the mission of CitySafe.”

CitySafe delivers hands-on, community-driven training that gives New Yorkers the confidence and practical skills to respond when emergencies strike. The program addresses the hesitation that often paralyzes bystanders due to a lack of confidence & training.

Trusted by institutions such as New York University, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, and the United States Congress, CitySafe partners with neighborhoods, agencies, and organizations to build a culture of readiness that reflects the urgency and resilience of New York City.