Florida Teen Delivers Hand-Made Stuffed Toy Bears to Families of Fallen LEOs
Megan O'Grady came up with the idea for "Blue Line Bears" after the 2016 ambush in Dallas in which five officers were shot and killed. So far, she has delivered 450 bears to law enforcement families in 31 states.
A young woman wanted to do something for the friends and family of Officer Heath Gumm, the Adams County (CO) Deputy who was killed in the line of duty just under a year ago.
So she made 15 stuffed bears adorned with the agency's patch, and Gumm's name.
16-year-old Megan O'Grady came up with the idea for "Blue Line Bears" after the 2016 ambush in Dallas in which five officers were shot and killed.
"My dad is a police officer where we live. It’s my biggest fear to lose him. That’s why I started it. My whole life, I have been close to police officers, they’ve always been my heroes," O'Grady said.
She asks the department for a uniform shirt from a fallen officer, and crafts the bears from the fabric.
O'Grady's visit to Colorado was not the first time she's delivered bears to the friends and family of a fallen officer. So far, she has delivered 450 bears to law enforcement families in 31 states.
Megan's grandmother helps with the sewing - though Megan says she's fast improving.
O’Grady said that she created the nonprofit organization to help the children of fallen law enforcement officers who have lost a parent in the line of duty.
“Blue Line Bears will not only provide a lasting keepsake to help keep the officer’s memory alive, but will also help their child to see that there are caring individuals who respect and appreciate men and women in uniform," she says.
"Children of officers killed in the line of duty are oftentimes young, perhaps too young to remember the parent who died. For those children, a bear from Blue Line Bears will provide a tangible reminder that their loved one will always be with them."
Way to go Megan! Thank you for showing our incredible Law Enforcement officers and their families that we care for them, and that they are appreciated :)
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