Program to Benefit All Dighton First Responders
Police Chief Shawn Cronin and Fire Chief Christopher Maguy are pleased to announce that the Dighton Police Department, in collaboration with the Dighton Fire Department, is launching its first Autism Awareness Program during April’s Autism Awareness Month.
As part of its program, the Dighton Police Department recently created a registry for residents with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other conditions that may require special attention from first responders.
The registry will provide Dighton police and fire personnel with access to critical information about individuals in the event of an emergency. The registry includes emergency contact information, a detailed physical description, known routines, favorite local attractions, and information on unique needs.
“As we recognize Autism Awareness Month, it’s important for us in law enforcement to understand the unique circumstances that pertain to each individual we come into contact with. By raising autism awareness through this program and having a database of information to help us with our emergency response, we hope to better serve and protect our community,” said Chief Cronin.
Those interested in signing up for the registry must fill out the Emergency Services Altered Response Form with all mandatory fields completed and provide a recent photograph of the individual.
Completed forms and photos can be emailed to Patrolman Swartz at aswartz@dighton-ma.gov or mailed to/dropped off at the following address:
Dighton Police Department
Attention: Patrolman Aaron Swartz
1458 Somerset Ave.
Dighton, MA 02715
The information will be kept on file with Dighton Police, Fire and dispatch to be used as needed. Dighton Police encourage those registered to update the department periodically as important information changes such as an address change, or a change in emergency contact information. The department also asks for a new photo as the person registered ages.
The registry program was spearheaded by Patrolman Aaron Swartz, with the assistance of Police Chief Cronin and Fire Chief Maguy, under the guidance of the National Autism Association.
“As a police officer, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges that autistic individuals and their families encounter in the community, however, my perspective completely changed when my own nephew who is currently non-verbal was diagnosed with autism,” Patrolman Swartz said. “That’s why I’m passionate about creating this program to help meet the needs of all community members.”
In addition to its registry, the department has designed cling stickers that can be affixed to any access door or window. The stickers will indicate to first responders that an individual inside may not respond.
The Bristol County Sheriff’s Department has also graciously donated seatbelt covers and File of Life Magnets to the Dighton Police Department for officers to hand out. The seatbelt covers will alert first responders that an individual in the vehicle may resist help and the File of Life magnets feature information similar to what is asked on the Emergency Services Altered Response Form.
On Monday, April 24 from 6-8 p.m., residents are invited to the Dighton Police Station, 1458 Somerset Ave., to pick up a sticker, seatbelt cover and magnet. The department’s comfort dog Oakie and handler SRO Stephen Hathaway will be in attendance to greet community members that visit the station.
Those who are unable to visit the station on April 24 can contact Patrolman Swartz via aswartz@dighton-ma.gov or stop by the police station at a later date to pick up these items.
Support Dighton’s Autism Awareness Program
Dighton Local 306 is asking for the community’s help to fund advanced “friendly-finds” training for Oakie.
This training has proven to be incredibly beneficial in several missing-person cases involving individuals with disabilities as it teaches K-9s and their handlers how to respond quickly and efficiently in situations where time is of the essence.
Donations can be made via check written out to “DPO Local 306” and dropped off at the station with dispatch, or via Venmo @DPOLocal306.
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