Kentucky State Police hold Trooper Teddy sale, raise funds locally

On November 26, 2025 the Kentucky State Police held a promotional sale of Trooper Teddy bears to raise money for the Trooper Teddy Project. During the promotion the bears were offered at a special price of twenty dollars each, with purchases available online or through local KSP posts. Buyers could pick up bears at local posts or choose shipping, with any shipping fee applied.

The Trooper Teddy Project supplies teddy bears to children involved in traumatic events such as serious illness, abuse, vehicle crashes, and other critical incidents. Begun in the late 1980s, the program has been an established outreach tool for troopers across Kentucky. Proceeds from sales and donations are used to purchase and distribute bears to children in crisis, a funding model that the department has relied on to sustain the program.

For Perry County residents the program has immediate, tangible impact. Troopers assigned to local posts carry Trooper Teddy bears for distribution at emergency scenes, providing a simple comfort to children during stressful and potentially frightening encounters with law enforcement and emergency responders. Sales in the community directly support those supplies, allowing local troopers to maintain stocks without tapping into general fund allocations.

The fundraising model also raises policy considerations for county and state leaders. Reliance on donations and merchandise sales can preserve limited public funds, but it may produce uneven availability based on fundraising cycles and promotional activity. Local policymakers and law enforcement oversight bodies may want to consider whether a modest dedicated budget line or formal reporting on program expenditures would improve transparency and ensure consistent access for children across counties.

Beyond immediate relief, the Trooper Teddy Project plays a role in community relations and civic trust. Residents who purchase bears contribute directly to a tool that helps troopers deescalate traumatic situations and connect with families. For citizens interested in supporting the initiative, bears remained available via the Kentucky State Police online store and at local posts during the promotion.