CULLMAN, Ala. – As Autism Awareness Month comes to a close, the Cullman Police Department is set to wrap up its special patch sale fundraiser for Autism Speaks.
Police Chief David Nassetta made sure to give credit where credit is due, noting the driving force behind the fundraiser is School Resource Officer Seth Sullivan. Sullivan is on the National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO) Board of Directors for Region 6 representing Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee.
“He’s so good with the kids,” Nassetta smiled. “He’s able to communicate with those kids; he knows more about the special needs that kids with autism have. He’s really good at working with them and helping ensure that those kids aren’t as nervous around our officers.”
Nassetta shared that when interacting with individuals with autism, the CPD has officers who have certain aptitudes for certain situations. “A lot of times we go on calls and we don’t realize what issues the individual may be dealing with, especially adults,” he said. “With kids, of course the parents can inform us, but we have certain officers who may have a better feel at dealing with adults who may be having mental issues or disabilities.”
The specialty patch sale challenge was started by the New Rochelle Police Department in Westchester County, New York in February 2017. NWPD Detective Chris Grecco and his wife are the parents of an autistic child.
Want to own your own Autism Awareness Month patch? Stop by the Cullman Police Department from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday until May 1. Patches are $10 each, cash only.
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