A stuffed panda bear was recently gifted to the East Palestine Police Department to help comfort a child in an emergency. (Submitted photo)

EAST PALESTINE — A local girl looking to make a difference did so last month through the donation of a large stuffed animal to the police department.

During the recent city council meeting, Village Manager Antonio Diaz-Guy shared the touching story.

He said that the young girl came to the police department with her mother wanting to donate the large stuffed panda bear in order to offer it to a child that may be scared in the event of needing the police.

“This act of kindness and compassion touched everyone’s hearts in the department and they wanted to share the story,” Diaz-Guy said.

According to the monthly police activity report, the department received 307 calls for service resulting in 123 reports filed.

As for the EMS and fire department, the village is also seeking additional people to serve as EMTs and paramedics.

Starting pay rates for EMT-B are $16.36 per hour, advanced EMT is $17.77, and paramedic is $19.47.

Employees who work 36 hours per week qualify for health insurance and seek leave.

According to the monthly EMS activity report for March, the department saw 116 incidents, 79 of which were in the village, 18 were mutual aid, and six were in New Waterford.

According to the village, 11 calls were dropped due to a squad already on call for seven of the calls and no on duty crew available for the other four.