Local Girl Makes a Difference by Donating Large Stuffed Animal to East Palestine Police

EAST PALESTINE — A local girl looking to make a difference did so last month through the donation of a large stuffed animal to the police department to help comfort a child in an emergency.

The stuffed panda bear was gifted to the East Palestine Police Department during a recent city council meeting, where Village Manager Antonio Diaz-Guy shared the story. He said the young girl came to the police department with her mother wanting to donate the large stuffed panda bear in order to offer it to a child that may be scared in the event of needing the police.

“This act of kindness and compassion touched everyone’s hearts in the department and they wanted to share the story,” Diaz-Guy said.

According to the monthly police activity report, the department received 307 calls for service resulting in 123 reports filed. The village is also seeking additional people to serve as EMTs and paramedics, with starting pay rates for EMT-B at $16.36 per hour, advanced EMT at $17.77 and paramedic at $19.47. Employees who work 36 hours per week qualify for health insurance and sick leave.

According to the monthly EMS activity report for March, the department saw 116 incidents, 79 of which were in the village, 18 were mutual aid, and six were in New Waterford. The village noted that 11 calls were dropped due to a squad already on call for seven of the calls and no on-duty crew available for the other four.

The Hug Patrol®️ Stuffed Animal Donation Program supports similar efforts, donating unused, new stuffed animals to police officers, firefighters, and medical personnel for them to use to comfort children facing traumatic and scary situations. The program works with first responders to provide comfort and support during difficult times.