Lakeland Neighborhood Ships Stuffed Animals to Iraqi Children

In case you missed Bill Rufty's article in this morning's edition of The Ledger, check out the story of how Sandpiper residents are planning to ship stuffed animals over seas to Lakeland Police Officer James Ring who is serving in Iraq. The animals are intended to be given to children in that country torn apart by war.

Ken Clawson from Sandpiper spoke with me one evening about a month ago regarding their project to ship these animals to Iraq where they are distributed by soldiers to children in local towns, but their contact was about to return home. Knowing that Lakeland Police Officer James Ring is stationed there but was home on leave at the time, we were more than happy to arrange a meeting where these deliveries could continue. Officer Ring was quick to assist in this endeavor as well.

Lakeland PD currently has two officers serving on active military duty, Officer Ring and Officer Dudley Eager. We have few more who are anticipating activation in the future. We are honored at their service to our nation. Our department continues to pray for their safe return and that of all the troops on the front lines of our nation's defense. Our humble thanks to them for their service to our nation - whether it's confronting the enemy or helping Iraqi children.

-Asst Chief Bill LePere