FLOYD COUNTY, Va. (WFXR) — Have you ever seen the colorful patrol vehicle in Floyd County? It’s not just so deputies can ride in style– it represents a much bigger cause.
For over a year now, Sergeant Cody Brown has been working out of this custom-designed vehicle, with colorful puzzle pieces painted on the sides.
(Photo courtesy: Floyd County Sheriff’s Office)
These puzzle pieces symbolize autism awareness and acceptance, which is celebrated in the month of April! Sergeant Brown’s son, along with Administrative Specialist, Tara Hollandsworth’s son, are members of the autistic community.
According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, around 1 in 36 children are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Many officers wear puzzle piece pins showing their support year-round. But, this month, deputies were able to display these special, multi-colored badges. The sheriff’s office hopes these badges will spark a conversation between deputies and the Floyd community.
(Photo courtesy: Floyd County Sheriff’s Office)
The Floyd County Sheriff’s Office continues to show its support for members of the autistic community. They shared that many of their deputies have been through ‘Crisis Intervention’ training and are equipt to handle diverse scenarios, including emergencies within the autistic community.
For more information and resources, visit the Autism Speaks website, a national organization bringing awareness to the autism community.
