Socorro proclaims April autism awareness month and recognizes dispatchers, with local Autism Society presentation

The City of Socorro council on April 16 adopted a proclamation declaring April 2026 as Autism Awareness Month and recognized April 12–18 as Police Dispatchers and Animal Control Officers Week.

During the autism proclamation, a local board member with the Autism Society of Texas (introduced as Miss Griego) described the organization’s resources, emphasized that autism is a brain‑based developmental condition, and highlighted local supports including free support groups and navigating‑autism services. "I am actually myself a proud resident of Socorro," the presenter said, and she invited residents to the Autism Society of Texas El Paso chapter's run/walk on April 25.

The council also presented a proclamation for telecommunicators and animal control officers; Chief Robert Rojas thanked dispatch staff and noted that telecommunicators serve as the first point of contact during emergencies. A dispatcher who spoke described the job as creating trust with callers under duress and said Socorro dispatchers have a high success rate in locating people in need.

Council members expressed gratitude for the organizations and individuals and encouraged residents to seek resources and support offered by the Autism Society and the police department.