Kentucky State Police Pays Tribute to 75th Anniversary With Special Trooper Teddy Bear Discount

Black Friday and Cyber Monday pricing reflects agency's inception date

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Nov. 22, 2023) – The Kentucky State Police (KSP) is announcing a special sale of the iconic Trooper Teddy Bear to honor the agency’s 75th anniversary. The beloved Trooper Teddy Bears, which normally retail for $25, will be available for a limited time at the special holiday price of $19.48, in commemoration of KSP’s establishment in 1948. 

The Trooper Teddy Bear sale will run from Thursday, Nov. 23, through Monday, Nov. 27, making it the perfect opportunity to purchase the heartwarming bears in time for the holiday season.

All proceeds from the sale benefit the agency’s outreach program, allowing troopers to provide teddy bears to children who have been in traumatic situations such as car crashes, child sexual abuse cases or are dealing with a terminal illness. 

“The Trooper Teddy Bear Project symbolizes the enduring commitment of KSP to serve our communities,” said KSP Commissioner Phillip Burnett Jr. “We encourage everyone to take part in this sale, helping us carry forward the legacy of comforting those in need during challenging times.”

For the convenience of customers, Trooper Teddy Bears can be purchased online or at any . If customers buy online, they can select to pick it up at their local KSP Post free of charge or have it shipped to their home for an additional fee. 

The Trooper Teddy Project does not use state dollars and relies solely on donations and the sale of bears to sustain it, with 100% of the bear sale proceeds being used to purchase additional bears. For those interested in buying a bear or making a tax-deductible contribution to the project, citizens should visit the Trooper Teddy website.

The came to life in December 1989 after Kentucky First Lady Martha Wilkinson hosted a gala fundraiser at Red Mile Racecourse earlier that summer. The black-tie event raised the needed funds to purchase 2,000 Trooper Teddy Bears. The first allotment of bears included a personal note on each stuffed animal from First Lady Wilkerson.