Independence Police increase awareness of World Down Syndrome Day

Dustin Taylor said ever since he can remember, his youngest son Luke, who has Down syndrome, has wanted to be a police officer. Luke’s dream came true on March 19, when Police Chief Robert Butler recognized Luke as an honorary police officer with the city of Independence as part of the IPD’s support of World Down Syndrome Day.

World Down Syndrome Day is a global initiative that celebrates and advocates for people with Down syndrome to increase public awareness and acceptance of the genetic disorder. Every year, WDSD falls on March 21. The 3/21 date represents the genetic makeup of Down syndrome: three copies of chromosome 21 instead of two.

The chromosomes resemble socks in shape, which led organizers to start the “Rock Your Socks” campaign, in which people can show their support of WDSD by wearing crazy-colored socks. After getting his police badge and cap, nine-year-old Luke joined the police officers donning different colored socks and posing for some photos.

Luke and his father then received a tour of the police facilities, including the jail and evidence room, and Luke got to sit behind the wheel of a police cruiser. ∞