Irwin police, fire, EMS get stuffed Moose dolls for children

Irwin’s police, firefighters and emergency medical services received two dozen cuddly Moose dolls recently to give to children when they are in stressful situations.

The brown Tommy Moose stuffed animals adorned with a red shirt and yellow antlers were distributed at the Irwin Fire Department Friday by members of the Irwin Loyal Order of Moose Lodge 236. The local Moose lodge has been doing it for the past few years, said Chris Taylor of Harrison City, an Irwin Moose officer.

Irwin Fire Chief Justin Mochar said the Moose dolls are a good way to help calm a child in a difficult situation.

“When we go to various calls, vehicle accidents, fires — anywhere there’s an emergency with young children involved, we like to give these out to the kids and it helps calm them down in the emergency situations,” said Mochar.

“It’s just one way the Irwin Moose gives back to the community,” Taylor said.

“We’ve been lucky to have these Mooses for a few years,” Mochar said. “We’ve used them at numerous emergencies in town (Irwin) and out of town.”

The Irwin police officers can pass out the Moose dolls to children involved in domestic situations, said Cody Stanoszek, an Irwin police officer.

“It’s going to make them feel safer, calm them down when they see their parents arguing,” Stanaszek said.

The dolls also can be given to children in the back seat of vehicles involved in accidents, to help calm them down, Stanaszek said.

Since 2002, more than 100,000 Tommy Moose dolls have been donated to shelters, hospitals, and emergency workers, who have given them to children in need of some comfort when facing challenges and stress, according to the Loyal Order of Moose web page.