SARATOGA SPRINGS - During the month of April, the Saratoga Springs Firefighters will be honoring National Autism Awareness Month through their campaign to promote Autism Awareness. The normal day-to-day uniform for the Saratoga Springs Fire Department will be changed from the traditional blue button-up shirts to royal blue shirts with artwork designed incorporating Autism Awareness.
Shirts similar to those that will be worn by firefighters on duty were sold throughout the month of March, with all proceeds raised from sales to be donated to Aim-Autism. Aim-Autism is an organization that is committed to helping individuals and their families by raising funds for schools and other organizations that provide education and ABA Therapy program for those on the Autism spectrum. The Saratoga Springs Firefighters were able to raise $2,500.
Firefighters will also be participating in various training sessions during the month of April focusing on how to best provide for those with Autism and their specific needs. The training is not just limited to treating the medical needs of those on the Autism spectrum, but also how to improve interactions on calls related to fires, alarm activations, searches, rescues, and how to be a part of a support system when firefighters are assisting family members on calls. The trainings will occur at the Saratoga Springs Fire Department Station 1 located at 60 Lake Avenue beginning on April 11 and occurring each day until April 14.