Kentucky State Police say look out for bears on Black Friday — teddy bears

WICKLIFFE, Ky. (KBSI) – Kentucky State Police say, look out for bears this Friday – trooper teddy bears. KSP is selling teddy bears now through Cyber Monday as a part of the Trooper Teddy Bear Project.

The power of holding a teddy bear — a simple idea — and yet strong enough to make a connection with a child — a tool to treat trauma.

The Trooper Teddy Bear Project is a statewide program that provides stuffed bears to children experiencing traumatic situations, things like abuse cases, illness or natural disasters.

Kentucky First Lady Martha Wilkinson started the project in 1989 with a fundraiser. Kentucky State Trooper Sarah Burgess said the project is now self-sustaining.

“The funds that we receive from the sales of these bears help us purchase more bears to then give out in times of need,” she said.

The bears can be purchased at the state police posts or online. For those who want to help but aren’t in need of a teddy bear, there’s an option to donate.

“It is a gray bear because we are troopers in gray,” Burgess said. “He’s wearing a Kentucky State Police t-shirt and wearing one of our campaign hats to match us.”

She said giving out bears helps them build trust with kids and even adults during traumatic situations.

“Law enforcement isn’t always seen as the teddy bear type,” Burgess said, “but we do have that side of us, and we want to be able to connect with our community on a positive level. So it brings a smile to my face and joy to my heart.”

Burgess said the Trooper Teddy Bear Project is now a part of their non-profit organization — Kentucky Trooper Outreach program.