On Saturday, April 29, 2023, the Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACoFD) partnered with the San Gabriel/Pomona Regional Center (SG/PRC) to host its second annual Sirens of Silence event, “A Special Day with First Responders.”
Taking place on the last weekend of Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month (April), the sensory-friendly event welcomed families who have loved ones with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other special needs to meet and engage with public safety partners and health agencies.
This year, the LACoFD and SG/PRC collaborated with the California Highway Patrol, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Pomona Police Department, Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center, CARE Ambulance, Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation, and the Western University of Health Sciences.
Individuals of all ages had the opportunity to see, touch, and try fire and law enforcement gear, apparatus, and equipment in a sensory-sensitive space; mutually share with first responders on how to best approach loved ones with special needs; and learn how to protect their families in emergencies.
This Sirens of Silence event also featured sensory stations, a mock doctor’s office, and a pop-up dental clinic.
The LACoFD’s award-winning Sirens of Silence program promotes ASD and special needs awareness, education, and inclusion through training and extensive resources available for free on our website.
