About Us

Meet the Experts Behind Code 4 Communications

What is Code 4 Communications?

Code 4 Communications specializes in equipping first responders with the skills to take control of their narrative when it matters most. Our mission is simple: to train public safety professionals to command their presence in the headlines through comprehensive media training tailored to the unique needs of your department.

We are the only media training company with extensive backgrounds in both journalism and public safety.

What sets Code 4 apart is our unparalleled experience on both sides of the story. Our founders have a combined 50+ years in journalism, having worked in international and local newsrooms, radio, TV, and behind the scenes in production. This invaluable experience is complemented by their service as Public Information Officers (PIOs) in a major metropolitan department, where they represented police, fire, EMS, and emergency management bureaus.

Our media training module provides a deep understanding of how the media operates and offers strategies to help your team control the message, especially during crises. From policy and public affairs to crisis communications and safety protocols, we bring a unique perspective that helps your team stay ahead in the public eye.

With strong relationships in the media and first-hand experience managing media presence during national public safety situations, Code 4 is ready to help your department navigate the headlines with confidence.

We believe that informed communities are safer communities. Let us help you build trust with the public and ensure your message is heard when it matters most.

Amanda Mueller

Amanda Mueller is a seasoned communications professional with a diverse career spanning journalism, public safety, media relations, public affairs, and crisis communications.
Amanda served as the Public Information Officer (PIO) for the City of Pittsburgh’s Department of Public Safety, acting as the spokesperson for the city’s police, fire, and EMS bureaus during high-profile, breaking news events.
During over a decade in journalism and broadcast TV, Amanda held various roles including main anchor, executive producer, and investigative reporter, working across multiple local markets from the East Coast to the Midwest. Her hands-on experience in the newsroom both in front and behind the camera honed her storytelling skills and gave her a unique understanding of media dynamics and news coverage, particularly during major media events.
Most recently, Amanda served as a Senior Account Executive for a prominent statewide public affairs and issue advocacy agency in Pennsylvania, where she leveraged her skills to guide strategic communications efforts for a multitude of clients, including nonprofits operating in the public safety and human services fields.
Amanda lives in Pittsburgh, and in her free time, she’s on a mission to kayak in all 50 states.

Cara Cruz

Cara Cruz is a passionate storyteller whose previous career in journalism began with the simple love of writing.
Hailing from Canada, Cara worked for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) for close to twenty years as a television reporter, radio host, and producer in CBC newsrooms in Vancouver, Toronto, and Washington, D.C.
Her career highlights include interviewing Fidel Castro during an unplanned refueling stop in Vancouver in 2003, covering the aftermath of 9/11 when 7,000 global airplane passengers were stranded in tiny Gander, Newfoundland, and producing a radio show from Vatican City during the papal conclave in 2013.
Cara pivoted to communications in 2018 when she moved to Pittsburgh and began working as a Public Information Officer for Pittsburgh Police, Fire, and EMS where she developed a love for public safety and the multitude of positive stories embedded in the work. Her goal is to foster understanding by identifying the human moments amid the emergencies and empowering first responders to recognize and tell their own stories.
Cara has been living and working in the United States since 2016 and makes Pittsburgh home. She fills her free time running, working out, and searching for vintage furniture and art.

Trusted by Public Safety Leaders

  • “Amanda and Cara’s background as reporters really sets them apart. They’re great at spotting potential issues early and know exactly how to handle them. Whether it’s planning ahead or making the most of a media opportunity, they bring a smart, practical approach to highlighting the most positive aspects of law enforcement, while mitigating crises.”

    Cristyn Zett - Police Chief, Ross Township, PA

  • "I learned so much from Cara and Amanda about how the media works and what they need from law enforcement, to report the day-to-day news as well as more in-depth stories. Their media training program gave me the skills and confidence to properly navigate reporters and actually embrace the entire process of doing press conferences and live interviews."

    Richard Ford - Assistant Chief of Operations, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police

  • "As firefighters, we always think we're 'Just doing our jobs,' but Amanda and Cara understand that first responders have real stories to tell. They know instantly what will interest reporters, and what won't. Their ability to identify and pitch a story that will garner media attention is so valuable."

    Brian Kokkila - Assistant Fire Chief, Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire