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Shrewsbury Police hold Touch-a-Truck event for autism awareness

By Devin Bates Worcester – Spectrum News

PUBLISHED 3:45 PM ET Apr. 22, 2023

 

SHREWSBURY, Mass — The Shrewsbury Police Department held its first annual Touch-a-Truck event on Saturday with a focus on autism awareness.

 

More than two dozen law enforcement agencies from across the region showed up to UMass Chan Medical School’s Shrewsbury campus in cruisers, fire trucks and rescue vehicles.

 

It was a sensory-friendly event, so first responders made sure to keep their lights and sirens off so children with autism could feel safe and comfortable.

 

Justin Walker, a patrolman for the Shrewsbury Police Department, helped plan the event, and says he was pleasantly surprised by the strong turnout.

 

“We partnered with Worcester, with state police, with UMass police, and it just grew from there,” Walker said. “We got phone calls and e-mails from people who just wanted to be involved, ‘Could I put a car in? Could I put a truck in?’ It grew to what you’re seeing now for the first annual, which for us is amazing to see everyone kind of come together and partner together for this event.”

 

The department partnered with the Doug Flutie. Jr Foundation for Autism, so all proceeds from apparel and donations will benefit their mission to help people and families affected by autism live life to the fullest.

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The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Mobile Command Unit arrives at a Touch-a-Truck event in Shrewsbury.