NAIFA/Sheriff “Teddy Bear” Partnership Celebrates 15th Year #PGSO

Upper Marlboro, MD… Sheriff Melvin C. High and Chief Assistant Sheriff Darrin Palmer accepted over 700 Teddy Bears from the Prince George’s County chapter of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA), at the association’s breakfast meeting yesterday at The County Club at Woodmore in Mitchellville, MD. Sheriff’s deputies use the Teddy Bears to comfort small children they encounter while responding to domestic violence related calls for service.

“Gary Beall’s excitement keeps this project alive and growing from year to year,” said Chief Assistant Sheriff Darrin Palmer, who has maintained the partnership with NAIFA for the last fifteen years. “These Teddy Bears bring comfort to little ones during stressful and chaotic situations and helps make our job easier as we deal with young children.”

Sheriff High thanked the NAIFA members for their important support for victims of domestic violence. “As law enforcement, this world commands so much of our attention, but children are often forgotten in these situations, I so appreciate NAIFA and its’ members continuing to support families and children who are affected by domestic violence and I look forward to our working together for years to come.”

“Children should be protected and we hope these Teddy Bears help deputies comfort and show the children they come in contact with how much they care with one of these Teddy Bears. We want these Teddy Bears to make a difference for a child when they are frightened and confused, “said Brandon M. Rechert, President of the Prince George’s County NAIFA chapter. In further comments, Mr. Rechert reaffirmed NAIFA’s commitment to the Teddy Bear partnership, and thanked its members for a record-breaking drive again this year.

For more information contact the Prince George’s County Sheriff’s Press Information Office at 301-780-2773.