Month: May 2022

Woodbridge Fire Department POAC Walk

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“On Sunday, May 1, 2022, members of the Woodbridge Fire Department participated in the Woodbridge Township POAC Walk. POAC (Parents of Autistic Children) Autism Services is a New Jersey based nonprofit organization that provides training, education, and support to educators, first responders, parents, families, and individuals living with autism spectrum disorders. This year however, their participation included an idea come-to-life from Captain and Fire Official Robert Fizer. He realized that while first responders are afforded trainings and seminars on autism spectrum disorders and how communication can vary, it would still be beneficial to have an indication that a resident or individual inside of a building may have special needs. So, with inspiration from the “Tot Finder” stickers that were widely used in the 1980s and 1990s, he designed and created stickers to notify first responding personnel that an occupant of that space may require alternative actions and assistance during emergencies. He was proud to be able to distribute these stickers to attendees.
 
‘I realize that in an emergency, everyone will react differently, but an individual with special needs may react in a way that some may not expect at all,’ Fizer said. ‘As fire, police, and EMS personnel, we always try our best to expect the unexpected in any situation. These stickers are just an extra step for first responders to better understand the scene and to be able to more effectively execute their response.’
 
Chief John Golden agrees and is outspoken in his support of this new program. ‘The Administration at Woodbridge Fire commends Fire Official Fizer for addressing this and for taking the initiative to further connect the Woodbridge Fire Department to its community. With every positive step taken by our members, we expand our unity with and ability to protect the residents of Fire District #1.’
 
While they state that it is always an honor being asked to participate in the multitude of events they are involved in throughout the year, this event is particularly close to home for Woodbridge Fire. Deputy Chief Robert Paul is an active member not just of the Department, but in the community as well as the POAC Walk. His son Ryan has autism and he knows first-hand just how important these types of programs can be. “Captain Fizer’s initiative to further protect children with special needs in town is incredibly important and deserves every ounce of gratitude and appreciation it has received not just from myself and my family, but from the community as a whole. It’s an added measure taken to ensure crews know what to possibly expect when they arrive on scene.’”