Hoover PD Adds Autism Awareness Decals To Patrol Tahoes

HOOVER, AL — People may notice something a little different about the Hoover Police Department's Tahoe cruisers. That's because all of the marked Tahoe cruisers now don autism awareness decals.

The puzzle piece-shaped decals are a welcomed sight among Hoover Police Officers, especially Officer Marcus Byner.

"My son was diagnosed with autism when he was age three," Byner said. "My question became 'what can we do in law enforcement to increase awareness?'”

Hoover PD said after he got the idea for the decals, Byner ran it up his chain of command. Once it was brought to the Chief, it was an easy decision. Chief Nic Derzis said, “I appreciate him bringing this wonderful idea to my attention. Autism affects many children and many families. It touches not only members of the Hoover PD, but the Hoover community as well. We hope that these stickers bring awareness to those families out there and let them know that Hoover Police cares about them. You are not alone.”

Byner added, "It was a blessing to see it come to fruition. Not only for my son but also the other families out there affected by autism."