Written by: Brian Pryor

Florence, Ariz. - In mid-October Mr. Gene Gibson with the Commemorative Air Force Arizona Wing at Falcon Field contacted Sheriff Babeu desiring to help deputies help the children of Pinal County. 

On October 30, 2009, Mr. Gibson donated 4 boxes of teddy bears with an embroidered emblem of the State of Arizona filled in with the colors of our state flag.                     

The stuffed animals were delivered to sub-stations and have since been distributed to deputies across the county to be given to the children they encounter during their calls for service.

The deputies of the Pinal County Sheriff's Office and Sheriff Paul Babeu would like to extend their sincere gratitude to Mr. Gibson for his generous donation and support for our deputies and the children of Pinal County.

"Stuffed animals, especially teddy bears, can help provide comfort to children during times of stress and trauma," said Sheriff Babeu.  "With the generosity of people like Mr. Gibson, our deputies are provided an opportunity to make a positive impact on the life of a child and potentially mitigate the effects of a stressful situation."