Paulding Sheriff's Detective Honored For Promoting Autism Awareness

PAULDING COUNTY, GA — A detective in the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office has been honored for her work to promote autism awareness.

Tiffany Bennett, who created decals to help first responders discreetly identify people with autism, was recognized in a ceremony Thursday at the sheriff’s office in Dallas.

Bennett’s decals signal to first responders that a person with autism — who might react in unexpected ways — may be in a house or car. The decals are in the shape of a hand to tell responders that they should “stop and pay attention,” Bennett told Patch.

“Her work should be commended by everyone because she is making a difference in our community every day,” said Dr. Joey Meeks, Georgia Sheriff’s Association senior chaplain, who presented Bennett with the letter of commendation. The ceremony was held just before April, which is Autism Awareness Month.

Sheriff’s spokesperson Sgt. Ashley Henson told Patch in 2021 that the autism decals have gotten “great feedback” from the community since they were introduced earlier that year.

“The work that Detective Bennett has started between first responders and families of individuals with autism has begun to build a bridge of recognition and cooperation,” Henson said in a statement Monday. “Her work has played a key role for first responders as the profession of law enforcement works to promote de-escalation techniques for first responders.”

For more information on obtaining decals for first responders or for yourself, email Bennett at tiffany.bennett@paulding.gov or call her at 770-443-3015.

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