Correctional officers help troopers restock Teddy Bear supplies

 Correctional officers at Johnston Correctional Institution donated 40 teddy bears to the North Carolina Highway Patrol in late December. Troopers carry stuffed animals in their cars to comfort children who are victims of vehicle crashes and other traumatic events.

Pictured, left to right, are: Master Trooper Braswell, Sgt. J.L. Gaskins, Superintendent Hall, Master Trooper D.H. Kenan, Master Trooper J.S. Partin, Johnston Correctional Sgt. William Herring and Master Trooper G.H. Fryar.

 Johnston Correctional Institution Superintendent Joseph Hall said troopers contacted him in early December informing him that the Johnston detachment was in need of some new stuffed animals. Correctional officers responded to the call by organizing a Teddy Bear Drive during the month of December. Bears were purchased and donated by staff at the Johnston County prison.

“We know these bears will bring a smile upon a child at a time when the child might need it most,” said Trooper Dwight Braswell of the Smithfield Highway Patrol Office.

Correction secretary Alvin Keller said, “This is a superb example of members of two agencies supporting their common goal of public safety.”