In a Different Light

Local Emergency Service Providers Connect with Special Needs Community

Children on the autism spectrum and with other special needs were special guests July 27 at the Hilliard Joint Safety Services Building at an “Amazing Abilities” open house.

Officer Moose “meets” with the kids at eye level

The annual event, hosted by the Hilliard Division of Police and the Norwich Township Fire Department, provides to children from throughout Central Ohio the opportunity to meet police officers and firefighters, try on equipment, and become acclimated to the sights and sounds of police cruisers and fire engines.

“The event is designed to provide a time for our special-needs friends to become more comfortable with (first responders) and to make friends,” Hilliard Det. Brandon Long said.

Children had the opportunity to explore a fire truck and climb into the seat of a police car and activate the lights and sirens.

Wyatt Hockter, 7, left, and his brother, Griffin, 6, check out a Norwich Township ladder truck July 27 at the Amazing Abilities open house.

The event is meant to help children, especially those on the autism spectrum and other disabilities, the chance to engage with police and firefighters other than when seeing them responding to emergencies.

John Hockter, of Hilliard, and his wife, Andrea, took their children, a 7-year-old son, 6-year-old son, and 4-year-old daughter, to the event.

“It’s a great event and a chance for our whole family to have fun together,” said John Hockter, whose 6-year-old son, Griffin, is on the autism spectrum.

Five-year-old Aiden G, of Powell, speaks into a police-cruiser intercom as Hilliard Officer Josh Valentine, far right, and his mother, Donna, look on July 27 at the Amazing Abilities open house. Children on the autism spectrum and with other special needs were invited to the annual open house to interact with police officers and firefighters.