On November 12, 2024 the Greenwich Township Police Department held their first Meet and Greet for families and students with disabilities, thanks to School Resource Officer Kate Proscia-Berger. This event gave the police department and members of the Greenwich Township Emergency Squad an opportunity to meet and get to know the families and children that they serve. The Greenwich Township Police Department wanted families who have children with disabilities to understand that the police are receiving training to know how to interact with the Autistic Community. They understand that these families may hesitate in calling 911 for help if they do not feel that police will know how to interact with their children. This event was an attempt to help bridge that gap for both communities to come together to get to know each other and further educate both sides.
Across the State of New Jersey officers are required to successfully complete a course called “Developmental Disabilities Awareness Training for first responders”. This course was developed with the purpose of informing emergency responders of the risks associated with autism or an intellectual or other developmental disability, as well as providing instruction in appropriate recognition and response techniques concerning these disabilities.
The event had an ambulance and police car for the children and families to look at and touch various equipment. The officers had the opportunity to speak with families and interact with their children with the help of Scott Gately, the Greenwich School District's Physical Education teacher, who set up an obstacle course to keep the children engaged. Kelly Milazzo, the head of the Greenwich Autism Alliance, had a table set up with additional information for families and a sign-up sheet for the National Registry. This National registry is a great resource for families and officers.
When families complete a registration, it details important information about their child which is then entered into Warren County Communication Center's system. In the event of an emergency and police response is required, the officer responding would be able to have additional information about the resident that may have a disability prior to their arrival. One additional bonus for families was a surprise art gallery. The students with disabilities provided their School Resources Officer with a piece of artwork that they completed which was then displayed for the officers, EMS volunteers and parents to view. Superintendent Tina Neely was there to support the event along with other Greenwich staff members, The event was a huge success, and the officers are hoping to make this an annual event.
