BEARS RIDE ALONG WITH B-CC RESCUE SQUAD

Contact:Peter H. Morris, Assistant Chief
Pager (301) 973-7363

The Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad has placed teddy bears on board all of its rescue vehicles. The specially-made teddy bears were donated to the Rescue Squad by the Potomac Valley Den of the Good Bears of the World (PVGBW).

PVGBW is a Bethesda based non-profit organization dedicated to providing teddy bears for lonely, abused, or traumatized children. The Potomac Valley Den was chartered in 1995 as part of a worldwide organization known as "Good Bears of the World." Volunteer members of PVGBW raise funds to buy bears for local gifting.

B-CC Rescue Squad considers the bears to be an important addition to the life saving equipment carried on the Squad’s Ambulances, Medic Units, and Heavy Rescue Trucks. Rescuers can use the 6" brown teddy bears to calm and comfort children who are sick or injured. The bears seem to have a solacing effect on frightened children, giving rescuers an opportunity to gain a child’s trust.

The bears will be utilized by the 150 volunteers, 10 employees, and the Division Paramedics who staff B-CC units. The Rescue Squad responds to over 10,000 emergency calls annually. This year marks B-CC Rescue Squad’s 58^th year of continued service to the communities of Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Glen Echo, Cabin John and Upper Northwest DC.

PVGBW donated two cases of teddy bears to the Rescue Squad during a presentation ceremony held at White Flint mall on Saturday, October 10, 1998. The Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad relies almost entirely on donations from the community for operational funding. The Rescue Squad does not submit a budget for tax funds or accept any direct tax support from either Montgomery County or the District of Columbia.

For more information, please contact Assistant Chief Peter Morris via pager at (301) 973-7363.