Page 8 - Florida Sentinel 4-10-18

Local
New Program Helps Residents And First Responders
Two Complete Basic Military Training
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
Last week, Mayor Bob Buckhorn and Tampa Police Chief Brian Dugan launched a new program. It is designed to help First Respon- ders be more responsive when encountering people with spe- cial needs.
April is National Autism Awareness Month. Mayor Buckhorn has declared Tampa as an “Autism Friendly City,” and in keeping with his vision, the program will be a useful tool. It is designed to help First Responders have critical information about peo- ple suffering from Autism, dis- abilities, and special needs.
Mayor Buckhorn said the program is designed to give First Responders valuable information that will help avoid misunderstandings or unfortunate encounters be- tween First Responders and residents who may have diffi- culty communicating as a re- sult of their disabilities.
“If First Responders ap-
MAYOR BOB BUCKHORN
proach an individual who they know has special needs, they are prepared to react appro- priately. As a result, we will have a better, safer commu- nity,” Mayor Buckhorn said.
Announcing the program last year, he said this registry is the next step in making Tampa one of the first cities in America to be designated as “Autism Friendly.”
As part of the program, City employees were trained and educated about Autism and other disabilities last year.
In order to participate in
CHIEF BRIAN DUGAN
the program, families with autistic members must sign up for the registry.
The registry is completely voluntary. Those participating can provide as much or as lit- tle information as they choose. The information will be store in a data base that can only be accessed by police officers and rescue personnel.
Chief Dugan said the Autism Awareness stickers have been placed on some po- lice cars. “The best way to raise awareness, people to no- tice police cars and will now notice the stickers.”
Two young men with ties to the Tampa Bay Area have recently completed require- ments as members of the U. S. Air Force.
Airman John M. Stub- blefield and Reserve Air- man 1st Class Carlos R. Villarreal, Jr., participated in their respective graduation ceremonies at the Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas.
Both Airman completed an intensive, eight-week pro- gram that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills. They also earned four credits toward an Associate in Ap- plied Science Degree through the Community College of the Air Force.
Airman Stubblefield
graduated from Friendship Christian Academy in 2017.
Reserve Airman 1st Class Villarreal earned dis- tinction as an honor gradu- ate.
AIRMAN JOHN M. STUBBLEFIELD
Reserve Airman Villar- real is the husband of Lisa Villareal, the son of Walisa and Carlos Villarreal, brother of Marisa Smith, and son-in-law of Isaac Smith, all of Tampa,
Reserve Airman Vil- lareal graduated from Fort Walton Beach High School, in 2011. He continued his edu- cation at the University of West Florida, where he earned his Associate’s Degree in 2014.
Our Military Men & Women
Tampa Native Assigned To USS Bonhomme Richard Ship
APPRENTICE ARIZON RODGERS
PHILIPPINE SEA —- Seaman Apprentice Arizon Rodgers, a native of Tampa, handles a phone and dis- tance line aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) during a replenishment- at-sea.
The Bonhomme Richard is operating in the Indo-Pa- cific region to enhance interoperability with partners and serve as a ready-response force for any type of con- tingency. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Sarah Villegas/ Released).
PAGE 8 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 2018