Blue Bridge Autism Safety
For Families and First Responders
Training, Tools, Instant Advocacy
At Blue Bridge Training, our mission is simple: empower first responders and families with the practical tools, training, and real-world guidance they need to keep autistic individuals safe. Whether you’re an agency seeking proven autism response solutions or a caregiver looking for practical safety resources, you’ll find clear answers and actionable support here—rooted in lived experience and a commitment to making a difference.
The Stakes Could Not Be Higher
Effective autism response and communication can mean the difference between safety and crisis for individuals, families, and communities. This isn't about blame or finger-pointing. This requires families and first responders working together as a team with respect and humility to improve communication to ensure every voice is heard.
I'm Jerry.
On a cold January day in 2007, a doctor spoke three words to me that forever altered my life:Â "Your son is autistic."Â I had been a cop for 12 years and was a well-respected K9 Handler and Trainer.Â
Yet, I knew practically NOTHING about Autism.
As I began to educate myself to be the father my son deserved, it became clear that what I was learning as a Dad was directly relevant to what I should have already known as a cop.  I got lucky that I didn't hurt anyone because of my ignorance on this topic. I've learned a lot about this topic in the last two decades- insights I wish I knew earlier in my career. I want to pass those lessons on to you. Â
I have a foot in two communities that I love deeply:Â The Autism Community and the First Responder Community.Â
I understand both. I'm afraid for both.Â
We must do better. We must communicate better. We must be better. All of us. The stakes are enormous.
My son is an adult now, and my life's mission is as clear as ever: Bridge the gap between these two communities and educate the world about the extraordinary individuals among us... Like my son.
My Background
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25 Years in Law Enforcement
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22 Years in K9
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Internal Affairs Commander
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Patrol Division Commander
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Training Coordinator
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Author
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Lecturer
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21 Years as an Autism Dad
Training Articles
Check out my novel
He thought he’d done everything right. With his world falling apart, is his salvation the child he doesn’t understand? Greg Jackson believes he’s earned every good thing. A decorated cop in the K9 division, he excels at putting away the bad guys. But though he knows how to handle any problem on the streets, he’s completely undone at home when his son is diagnosed with autism. Relying on alcohol to manage the stress, he’s delighted to discover that the liquor fuels dreams wherein he can connect and have a normal relationship with his boy. But when the booze leads to a deadly mistake at work, Greg finds himself in a churning cauldron of social unrest ready to boil over. Can the embattled policeman survive a political firestorm and learn to appreciate what he has? Desperate Pursuits is a riveting family drama novel. If you like flawed heroes, heart-wrenching twists, and autism pride, then you’ll love Gerald Turning Jr’s inspiring tale. Buy Desperate Pursuits to chase acceptance today!
Available Now
Respect the Stim Podcast
Get ready to uncover the secrets that will exponentially enhance your ability to connect with people on the autism spectrum. It's time to embrace this knowledge, move beyond "awareness," navigate these challenging interactions, and mitigate risks you might not even be aware of. Are you ready? Let's dive in and embark on this life-changing experience.
