Event to provide 'autism training' to first responders

Law enforcement officials will have the opportunity to learn about responding to emergencies that involve people with autism at an event at the Dutchess County Department of Emergency Response.

The autism training is scheduled to be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, according to a press release. It’s part of the county’s “ThinkDIFFERENTLY” initiative.

Bill Cannata, coordinator of the Autism and Law Enforcement Education Center, will lead the training. A firefighter of more than 30 years and the father of a son on the autism spectrum, Cannata has trained first responders across the country on how to efficiently rescue people with autism in an emergency.

Cannata is the captain of the Westwood Fire Department in the Town of Westwood, Massachusetts, according to the release.

The “ThinkDIFFERENTLY” initiative was established in 2015 to help promote a supportive and welcoming environment for county residents with special needs.

Jack Howland: jhowland@poughkeepsiejournal.com, 845-437-4870, Twitter: @jhowl04