By: Jarret Romanello, The St. Lucie Post
info@StLuciepost.com
August 11, 2021
(Fort Pierce, Fl) A woman living with autism was surprised by Fort Piece police officers Wednesday afternoon with a custom diecast replica of their Autism Awareness patrol vehicle.
The police car, which helps spread awareness about the developmental disability affecting 3.5 million Americans, honors the late Fort Pierce Police Department Detective James Cozine.
Detective Cozine, the department’s Special Olympics Florida liaison, passed away five years ago. He coached many special needs athletes in the community – including his son Noah and coordinated the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run to benefit Special Olympics Florida.
When Detective Cozine passed away, Officers Damian Spotts and Jorge Goz continued carrying the Fort Pierce Police Department’s torch. “They put in the hard work to stay connected to our citizens with special needs,” Fort Pierce Police Department Communications Manager Curtis Jennings told The St. Lucie Post.
Officer Spotts designed and handcrafted a custom replica of the department’s Autism Awareness patrol vehicle – affectionately known in the Special Olympics Florida community as Noah’s Car for Annabelle Currie.
Currie, 27, a Special Olympics Florida athlete living in Fort Pierce with her mother Sherri Olin competes in bowling and cycling and was happy to get Noah’s Car because Detective Cozine was a dear friend. “He is still with us,” Olin said when her daughter received the miniature version of Noah’s car.
After officers gave Annabelle her gift her mother told them, “You’re not officers, you’re family.”
Officers Spotts and Goz continue to serve in remembrance of Detective Cozine, to honor his son Noah and to stay connected with the innovative, creative, determined and focused Fort Pierce residents on the spectrum.
The Fort Pierce Police Department is partnering with Special Olympics Florida to host a model car giveaway.
For a chance to win the model police car built by Officer Damian Spotts, visit Special Olympics Florida
Entries for the drawing will be accepted beginning tomorrow, August 12, 2021. They will end on August 23, 2021. Special Olympics Florida will give away one model police car each month for the next several months. Proceeds will benefit Special Olympics Florida athletes.
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