Cohasset police launch 'Autism Awareness' patch campaign

March 04-- Mar. 4--March may just be getting started, but the Cohasset Police Department is already gearing up for Autism Awareness month in April.

To show their support for the cause, Cohasset Police Department will give out one of their custom, multi-colored patches for each $10 donation. (Each patch costs the department $2, leaving $8 to go to charity.) The net proceeds will be donated to Autism Speaks.

Police Chief Bill Quigley said this is less of a fundraiser, and more of a public awareness campaign. Quigley said the goal is to start a conversation about the issue which he said does not always get as much attention as other conditions.

"Autism comes in many forms, and we are committed to learn as much as we can about how to respond to calls like that when we get them," he said.

Cohasset Police have participated in training sessions teaching officers how to address a situation with someone who has autism. It is an issue that is on the department's radar and Quigley wants to make sure the public knows they are not only aware of the issue, but also have special training regarding the matter as well.

Several members of the department are impacted by autism in their personal lives, as well. Quigley said he has a nephew with autism, and that the issue has a special place in his heart.

"We just want to give back a little bit," Quigley said.

Cohasset is just one of a handful of police departments across Massachusetts to raise funds to support Autism Awareness in their local communities. Quigley said Cohasset police have gotten a jumpstart on their campaign because, "We wanted to be ready for April."

The department originally ordered 100 patches for the department to distribute at headquarters, and have already given away nearly three-quarters of their stock. Quigley said the department has already placed an order for another 100 patches due to the steady flow of donations coming in to headquarters.

"It's been a win-win for us so far," Quigley said.

Those interested in donating to the cause can make their way down to headquarters at 62 Elm St., where they can pick up their custom patch. The department will continue their Autism Awareness campaign through the first week of April.

___

(c)2019 Wicked Local South/Mariner, Marshfield, Mass.

Visit Wicked Local South/Mariner, Marshfield, Mass. at marshfield.wickedlocal.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.