Teddy Bears for TPD collects, distributes nearly 250 stuffed animals

Some cuddly teddy bears and other stuffed animals will join the Tampa Police Department thanks to Saint Leo University. On Thursday, December 16, at the university’s Tampa Education Center, Interim TPD Chief Ruben Delgado, Assistant Chief Lee Bercaw, and members of the department’s new Behavioral Health Unit and others TPD members, received nearly 250 stuffed animals.

Spearheaded by the Tampa Education Center team and supported by the university’s Student Government Union and East Pasco Education Center, Teddy Bears for TPD collected the stuffed animals from November 9 through December 13 at the university’s Tampa location and at University Campus.

The new TPD Behavioral Health Unit along with the Major Crimes, Sex Crimes, and Domestic Violence units will now have teddy bears and stuffed animals in their vehicles that they can give to provide comfort to children in stressful situations, said Tampa Police Assistant Chief Lee Bercaw.

Three Tampa TV stations covered the event at the Tampa Education Center — ABC Action News, Fox 13, and 10 Tampa Bay.

“Being able to partner with and support the Tampa Police Department is important, and we want interactions with the police to be positive for children, even if it’s a scary situation,” said Rod Kirkwood, director of the Tampa Education Center.

Photos by Renee Gerstein