Firefighters’ association donates $5,000 to autism classroom supports, district thanks donor

The St. Lucie County Firefighters Benevolent Association donated $5,000 to St. Lucie Public Schools to support classrooms serving students with autism, the district announced at the board meeting.

Heather Roland, executive director of Exceptional Student Education and Student Services, introduced Lieutenant Adam Zaccaro, who said the firefighters’ group has again committed funds to support autism‑specific classroom incentives and supplemental materials. “We’re excited about it,” Zaccaro said. He described the organization’s Surfers for Autism program and invited community volunteers to participate in that May–September program.

Roland said the funds will go directly to classroom teachers to purchase incentives and supplemental materials for students with autism. Zaccaro noted the association supports local programs and that donors and volunteers can observe how funds are spent in the county.

The presentation recorded the donation and the district’s thanks; no board action or vote was recorded in the transcript regarding acceptance (the item was presented as a recognition of the donation).