Firefighters have welcomed a swarm of cuddly new recruits to their ranks,who were designed to help comfort children they come into contact with through triple-zero calls.
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Albury Rural Fire Service district officer Aaron Powell said the "gentle bears" made a big difference to little children in tough situations.
"We have one in every truck and when a crew turns out to a vehicle accident or anything where children could be upset, you give one to a child and it helps comfort the child or really anyone who needs it," he said.
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"It can make a big difference it might not be us it may be you give it to a parent or guardian and they give it to the child to distract them.
"Even if it's not a major incident...it leaves the children with a good feeling having contact with a fire agency."
Children get to keep the bears.
The Albury bears were part of 2500 donated to RFS by iCare.
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