Burnet police unveil autism awareness truck designed by community
A closer look at the design of the truck, which includes an infinity symbol which is synonymous with autism awareness housing drawings crafted by the children. Staff photo by Caden Senn
The Burnet Police Department recently unveiled an autism awareness vehicle to add to its fleet on Tuesday, May 26, with a wrapping designed by nearly 20 children with autism.
The newest addition to the fleet, a sergeant patrol truck, features an infinity symbol synonymous with autism awareness that houses drawings dutifully crafted by the children, along with the words “autism awareness,” and “be kind to all minds.”
Porter Thompson, one of the several kids involved in designing the truck, was present at the unveiling ceremony with his family. His father, Cory, told DailyTrib that he was proud to see the community support his son.
“We’re excited that we’re getting some kind of attention towards autism,” he said. “You get into these smaller towns, and a lot of times people have no idea what autism is, so just bringing some kind of awareness to it is a great start.”
Another young artist, Josiah Parker, was at the ceremony with his family and shared that he was responsible for the drawing of Darth Vader on both sides of the truck and on its hood.
BPD Chief Tony Hefferin told DailyTrib that the project was started by now-retired Chief Brian Lee, and that he was honored to continue his efforts.
Chief Hefferin shared on Facebook that the project began in 2025 with local families coming together and creating various artworks that formulated three designs. Once Hefferin took over the department in January 2026, the designs were narrowed down and eventually turned into a reality by design partner Onsite Decals.