The Key West Police and Fire departments kicked off National Autism Awareness Month with a colorful gathering of all things awareness: blue badges, puzzle patches, wrapped cars, and even autism awareness horse blankets.
The departments are proud to support the Autism Society of the Keys (ASK) to help advocate, educate and support their mission of helping families affected by autism.
The Key West Fire Department is also wearing specially designed blue shirts with the fire department emblem on the back combined with the autism puzzle piece logo.
It’s vital for first responders to be well versed in working with autistic individuals in order to provide the highest level of care, Fire Chief Alan Averette said.
“Probably everyone in this city has a loved one or knows someone whose loved one has this condition,” he added. “It’s important that we, as fire and rescue workers, know the best way to read a situation and provide the best response.”
April is Autism Awareness Month, and this is part of the two departments’ ongoing efforts to support members of the community with special needs.
The community can help support ASK by purchasing KWPD autism awareness patches and challenge coins. Hope Haley, the wife of Lt. Matt Haley, is leading this drive. The patches and coins are available on eBay.
