BECKLEY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office on Monday announced a new initiative which will help first responders most effectively assist those with differing needs.
The Autism and Special Needs Registry, introduced on Monday by Raleigh County Sheriff Jim Canaday, will allow caretakers to provide information to first responders detailing the specific needs of those under their care.
“Whenever we’re dispatched to a call, we start formulating our responses,” said Sheriff Canaday. “The more information we have, the better responses we can do. It’s so important that we know before we arrive that we might be dealing with a special needs person, because that will dictate how our responses go.”
The registry will be available to emergency responders countywide through Raleigh County Emergency Services, providing law enforcement, emergency medical services, and firefighters with essential details regarding those involved in an emergency situation.
Sheriff Canaday noted he had first discussed the initiative with House of Delegates member Todd Kirby, who supported the idea. Legislation to enact the initiative on a statewide level was not successful, however.
Nonetheless, Sheriff Canaday has taken up the issue with House of Delegates member Eric Brooks in light of Delegate Kirby’s potential transition to Raleigh County Circuit Judge following the upcoming primary election.
“I just want to commend our sheriff for having the insight to do something like this, to take the lead on this, and to implement it,” said Delegate Brooks of the initiative on Monday. “I will be reintroducing this bill when we go back into Regular Session.”
The registry is currently accessible at the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office website .
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