Step one of the pro-active officer meet-n-greet was Monday. Matt toured the Sheriffs Department in Wytheville. A young man, Sheriffs Deputy Wayne Kirby, knew Matt from High School and was so happy to be his tour-guide. He treated Matt as if he were a rock-star! Matt was introduced to other staff, deputies and the newly sworn-in Sheriff, Keith Dunagan (Matt was the first citizen to shake his hand after being sworn in). This was a huge step for Matt, who has been afraid of people in uniforms. His step sister and his uncle are both police, but Matt never related it to all officers being there to serve and protect and help people. Matt did not like the idea at first, because he was afraid. To Matt, officers arrest and put people in restraints and behind bars - and Matt has a fear of that being done to him. It was time he got to see the REAL officers behind the uniform and lessen the fear. It didnt take but a second.... all those deep fears certainly became unfounded when Wayne came out and shook Matts hand. He smiled, Matt smiled. Wayne calmly led Matt back into the Department behind the locked doors. He showed Matt some pictures of the history of the department in Wytheville, patch collection, awards and trophies, detainee rooms, fingerprinting, and his Sheriffs patrol car. Matt was impressed and loved the tour - all of it! Afterward, when I told Matt we were going to do the same with town police and fire department, instead of wrinkling that nose and getting nervous, Matt grinned from ear to ear - he got excited! He cant wait to do it again! A heartfelt THANKS goes out to Deputy Wayne Kirby! Thank you for all your smiles, your gentle manor in guiding Matt through the department, and your enthusiasm! Matt picked up on all those positive vibes, became calm, interested in learning more and enthusiastic about doing more! Thanks to Felicia Edmonds for hooking us up with the perfect tour guide. How one interacts with an autistic person is everything - and few people are naturally gifted, warm souls, who bring a positive influence from the very start ..... Deputy Kirby, you are one of those souls.
Posted on: Tue, 30 Dec 2014 12:54:01 +0000
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