On Wednesday, Jan. 24, members of the Big Rapids Police Department, the Big Rapids Fire Department, and the Mecosta County Sheriff’s Office gathered with employees of the Big Rapids Public Schools to donate a "Buddy Bench" to Eastwood Elementary School. 

Buddy Benches are designed to combat loneliness and bullying in schools. Sometimes called a "friendship bench", these benches are installed on school playgrounds as a way for students to let others know that they are feeling lonely and isolated and need a friend to play with or someone to talk to.

Timbree Cosby approached Sheriff Miller and suggested the idea of the benches in local schools. The Big Rapids Police and Sergeants unions, the Big Rapids Professional Firefighters L1776, and the Mecosta County Sheriff’s Office unions all donated to have the bench made. The bench will be installed on the playground in the spring.

(Photo provided by Bill Sell).