Foxboro Police Officer Wins Award For Promoting Autism Awareness

FOXBOROUGH, MA — A local police officer was honored Tuesday night for his efforts in making life better for people with disabilities. Detective Patrick Morrison received the Foxborough Commission on Disability's annual "Above and Beyond Award" at this week's selectmen meeting. Specifically, the commission and the police department recognized Morrison for his work with autism awareness.

Spearheaded by Morrison, the Foxborough Police Department raised $3,000 for Foxborough's local Kennedy-Donovan Center, a nonprofit which helps people with developmental delays, disabilities or family challenges reach their full potential. Morrison and the rest of the department did this by selling colorful police patches throughout the month of April for "Autism Awareness Month."

"The Foxborough Police Relief Association is grateful to have had the opportunity to support such a worthy cause," said Foxborough Detective Patrick Morrison after presenting the Kennedy-Donovan Center with the $3,000 check. "Thank you to those who purchased a patch and helped support this project."

Foxborough gym, Fit Factory also received an "Above and Beyond Award." The company has run charities at several of its gyms throughout the region. One in particular that stands out was when the gym ran a fundraiser, with the proceeds from certain classes going towards paying for the surgery for a baby with a life-threatening illness.

Both Morrison and Fit Factory also received proclamations from the Massachusetts House of Representatives by Sen. Paul Feeney and Rep. Jay Barrows.