ThisApril, the Livingston Police Department is participating in the Autism Patch Challenge, a nationwide initiative launched by the New Rochelle Police Department in 2017.
With over 550 participating agencies, the challenge aims to raise autism awareness and acceptance in communities across the country.
Since 2022, Livingston officers have had the option to wear special uniform patches featuring the autism puzzle piece throughout April. Additionally, the department, in partnership with Livingston PBA #263, is selling commemorative challenge coins. All proceeds from the challenge coin sales will be equally distributed between two local Livingston-based 501(c)(3) organizations dedicated to supporting the autistic community: LifeTown and Spectrum360.
For information on purchasing a coin in support of this initiative, go to livingstonnj.org/1518/Autism- Patch-Challenge.
Shown here are members of the Livingston Police Department supporting the Autism Patch Challenge: Officer Michael Barreiro, Det./Sgt. Angelo Vella, Officer Sean Whalen, Officer Jason Zielke, Captain Russell Mueller, Chief Gary Marshuetz, Captain Joseph D’Andrea, Officer Jarrett Hesselbirg, Sgt. Kevin Mullaney, Officer Leydi Arenas, Officer Nicholas Laracca, and Officer Joy Klapal.
