The Township of Nutley’s first responders are continuously training and learning new ways to make sure the needs of everyone are met as they work to protect all Nutley citizens. 

On Friday, May 10, Lt. Anthony Santoro, Training/HAZMAT Coordinator of the Nutley Fire Department, led a training session specially geared toward treating people with autism and developmental disabilities. The focus of the training included the introduction of sensory kits - backpacks filled with items designed to help ease anxiety for the person and their loved ones in the event of an emergency. 

Nutley resident Maureen Callaghan brought these special kits to the attention of the Nutley Fire Department. An experienced teacher of children on the autism spectrum who also has a grandson with autism, she learned about these backpacks from her sister who discovered her local fire department in Bourne, Massachusetts recently rolled out the initiative. Callaghan knew she had to pass this special initiative along to her own hometown. The clear backpacks include stuffed animals, stress balls and noise canceling headphones among other items designed to bring comfort and calm to children and neurodiverse people during an emergency.

“We thank Maureen Callaghan for bringing this to our attention, and our public safety director who is always there to carry and support the Nutley Fire Department,” said Fire Chief Paul Cafone  “We really appreciate the support.” 

“We will do whatever we can for public safety,” commented Public Safety Director Alphonse Petracco. “I want to thank Maureen Callaghan for bringing these backpacks to our attention. This can help our first responders when they come across someone who is in need of these anxiety-reducing items. I am really proud of all my guys – the police, fire and EMTs – who are all very empathetic people. They really care about all our residents.” 

For more information on the Nutley Fire Department, contact (973) 284-4940.