An unusual assortment of police and firefighter uniforms gathered at the Key West Fire Department on Dec. 5, when the Key West Woman’s Club delivered more than 200 dressed-up teddy bears to local law enforcement and first responders.
“We keep these bears in our patrol cars, and since police officers and sheriff’s deputies are often the first on the scene of accidents and other calls, we can help kids when they’re going through trauma just by giving them something — like a teddy bear — to focus their attention and energy on,” Sheriff Rick Ramsay said after picking out his favorite teddy bear — dressed as Spiderman.
Police Chief Sean Brandenburg and Fire Chief Alan Averette each found bears dressed as police officers and firefighters for their crews. Other bears are dressed as athletes, ballerinas, ducklings and a host of adorable options.
“The Key West Woman’s Club has been donating and dressing the bears for years, and we’re glad to help our local law enforcement officials,” said Susan Mitchell of the club. “We want to give special thanks to our longtime member Jean Shannon, who pays for the bears and encourages everyone to get involved in dressing them up. Unfortunately, Jean is leaving the Keys, and passed the torch this year to other ‘den mothers.’”
