09/27/2026
20 YEARS LATER — WE REMEMBER EMILY KEYES
Twenty years ago today, September 27, 2006, the unimaginable happened at Platte Canyon High School in Bailey, Colorado.
A 16-year-old student named Emily Keyes lost her life.
In the final moments of an event that would forever change her family, her school, and communities across Colorado, Emily sent a simple message to her family:
“I love u guys.”
Four words.
Four words that came from a daughter to her family. Four words that would become a mission. Four words that would ultimately help change school safety across Colorado and throughout our nation.
As President of the Colorado Association of School Resource Officers (CASRO), I have seen firsthand how the work of The “I Love U Guys” Foundation has influenced the way schools, law enforcement, fire departments, emergency responders, educators, students, and families prepare for and respond to emergencies.
The Keyes family took the darkest moment imaginable and chose to serve others.
From the Standard Response Protocol to the Standard Reunification Method, their work has helped create common language and stronger partnerships between schools and first responders. Their mission has helped communities prepare for moments we all hope will never come.
For those of us who serve in schools, Emily's story is more than history.
It is a responsibility.
A responsibility to train.
A responsibility to prepare.
A responsibility to build relationships before a crisis occurs.
A responsibility to protect our students and educators.
And a responsibility to never become complacent when it comes to school safety.
To the Keyes family: Colorado's School Resource Officers stand with you today. We remember Emily with you. We honor the incredible strength your family has demonstrated over these past 20 years, and we thank you for turning Emily's words into a legacy that continues to protect students across this country.
Emily Keyes will always be remembered as more than a name associated with a tragedy.
She is a daughter. A student. A young woman whose four simple words became a movement.
Twenty years later, her message still guides us.
“I love u guys.” ❤️
We remember Emily.
We honor her family.
We continue the mission.
Mark Mithuen
President
Colorado Association of School Resource Officers (CASRO)