Firefighters at the Thorsby Fire Department rely on more than flame-retardant suits and water hoses to do their jobs.

They keep a stash of stuffed teddy bears on the fire trucks to give to children who need comforting during an emergency.

“We use the teddy bears to console the little kids, mainly to build the confidence of the child that no one is there to hurt them,” Lt. Phillip Porter said. “They get to keep the bears.”

This month, the new varsity cheerleader squad at Thorsby High School collected more than 100 teddy bears for the fire department.

“This is their first community service project this year,” coach Holly Deavers said. “They’re a very good group of girls. It’s important that they learn to do these things.”

The squad placed collection boxes at the school and around town.

“Besides the churches giving stuff, this is the first time the school has actually done a drive,” Porter said.

The Thorsby Varsity Cheerleaders who participated in the project are: Haley Barnett, Kelsie Barrett, Jessica Boddie, Lauren Liveoak, Brianna Ellison, Katie Adkins, Bailey Lucas, Laken Patterson, Lindsey Robinson, Bailey Childress, Darian Green, Laken Hayes, Marisa Withers and Rebel Man mascots Charly Hilyer and Jade Connell.