Knights of Columbus donates ‘Casey’ bears to Shelby Fire Department

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — On Oct. 4, Knights of Columbus Council No. 13983, from St. Kieran Catholic Church, presented the Shelby Township Fire Department with three dozen “Casey” teddy bears. The teddy bears are to be given to traumatized children at fire and auto accidents scenes.

The council made the donation in memory of Mark Semaan, who was a retired battalion chief with the Shelby Township Fire Department, a member St. Kieran Catholic Church and a member of the Knights of Columbus who died in 2022.

Founded in 1882, in New Haven, Connecticut, by the Rev. Michael McGivney, the Knights of Columbus is now an international fraternal organization based on the principles of charity, fraternity, unity and patriotism.

Brian Werner, deputy fire marshal and emergency manager at the Shelby Township Fire Department, said the bears always give the recipients a feeling of comfort and a feeling that someone else cares for them during their traumatic experience.

“Thank you to the Knights of Columbus for donating Casey bears, as the bears always help calm children in an emergency situation,” Werner said. “The donations have been greatly appreciated over the years.”

Joseph Vogel, Knights of Columbus member, said the teddy bear donation is something they are proud to do and happy to provide.

“There are not many opportunities for the average organization or person to make such a direct contribution to benefit the victims of accidents and tragedies. The Casey bear program provides this,” he said.