​Clearwater Firefighters Raise Funds For Autism Inspired Academy

CLEARWATER, FL — The Clearwater Fire & Rescue Department teamed up with the local firefighters union and the union's charitable foundation to support a local school with autistic students.

The International Association of Firefighters Local 1158 and the charitable foundation donated a check for more than $1,000 to Autism Inspired Academy, 2177 N.E. Coachman Road. The funds came from the sale of T-shirts created by firefighters to boost autism awareness.

During April, which is Autism Awareness Month, many of the agency's personnel wore the shirts while on duty to raise awareness.

"It's super exciting," said fire medic Kenny Sweitzer Jr., who spearheaded the project for the Clearwater Firefighters Charitable Foundation. "This is giving back and going above and beyond the call, which is something we do as firefighters."

"We're very proud of them (the firefighters) as a department and as a city,"said Division Chief John Klinefelter. "It shows that we truly care about people in the community."

"It means the world to us," said Cher Harris, principal and co-founder of the school. "Tears came to my eyes. We are just so thankful for this."

The donation will allow the school to buy more technology-related items for the students, Harris said, especially hands-on and manipulative materials, which are important for the children.

The school has been open for a year. It currently has 37 students, but is expanding to 54 next year.