We are excited to recognize Officer Andrew Kemper for bringing an idea to the Township Innovation Team! Officer Kemper identified a community need and presented Carter Kits—sensory support bags designed to help individuals during traumatic or chaotic emergency situations.
These kits contain sensory toys, weighted blankets, noise-cancelling headphones, sunglasses, and non-verbal communication cards to help first responders better support community members who may be overwhelmed during emergencies.
According to Carter Kits, the bags contain "items known to comfort/appropriately focus children on the Autism Spectrum, as well as other children who find themselves overwhelmed/impacted by traumatic events."
Thanks to Officer Kemper's research and initiative, the Springfield Township Fire Department will now carry a Carter Kit in every ambulance, and the Springfield Township Police Department will have kits available at emergency scenes.