POCONO TOWNSHIP, MONROE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) – In the back of Sgt. Shawn Goucher’s police cruiser you’ll find all the essentials from flares to first aide supplies.
He’s also always stocked with something warm and cuddly.
“When we have different varieties of them, they get to pick their own,” Sgt. Shawn Goucher smiles.
Pocono Township Police hand out teddy bears to children involved in accidents or domestic disputes. The stuffed animals bring comfort during crisis and help build trust with the officer.
“We pull them aside, it will calm them down and make it easier for us to talk to them,” Sgt. Goucher explains.
Bringing calm to the community comes at a cost though. Police are running out of bears!
Frailey Insurance and Financial Services in Stroud Township sprang into action, starting a teddy bear collection for the Department.
“I think anytime you talk about teddy bears, that’s somewhat special to everybody. We’ve all been there when we had our own teddy bears!” laughs Michele Frailey-Miller, COO of Frailey Insurance.
A heartwarming surprise for kids who need one the most.
“It’s so striking and really emotional, really heart wrenching to hear the circumstances under which they are connecting with kids,” adds Michael Frailey, CEO of Frailey Insurance.
The Department’s looking for new teddy bears 12 inches in height or less.
You can find drop-off bins at Pocono Township Police Department and Frailey Insurance along Route 611 in Stroud Township.
The teddy bear collection started today and wraps up May 1st.
