Summit Police Department Recognizes World Autism Day

The following information was provided by the Summit Police Department.

The month of April is Autism Awareness Month and the Summit Police Department chose Tuesday, April 2nd, World Autism Day, to recognize the efforts of 10-year- old resident Zachary Brooks. Members of the Summit Police Department greeted Zachary wearing their blue lapel pins and, for those not in uniform, wearing blue, the color for Autism Awareness.  Chief Robert Weck awarded Zachary one of the Department’s highest awards, The Chief of Police Special Recognition Award, along with the Department’s Challenge Coin.  

Zachary has a twin brother with autism and has been working hard to get Summit businesses and residents involved in awareness of the disorder by “Lighting up Blue” on World Autism Day, either by hanging up a sign, a blue light or just wearing something blue.  In addition, Zachary has been active in fundraising for Autism Speaks, and with the support of his aunt, Donna Puzella, owner of Sweet Nothings in downtown Summit, he has already raised over $3000 for the charity.  

Chief Weck congratulated Zachary, noting “Zachary’s efforts on the part of his brother demonstrate many of the values on our Challenge Coin – courage, loyalty, and respect to name a few.  According to Autism Speaks, autism now affects 1 in 88 children and Zachary, at such a young age, is making us all  more aware of how families are affected and promoting understanding and acceptance.”