PENDER COUNTY, N.C. (WECT) – The Pender County Library System is launching a new customized children’s picture book in collaboration with the Pender County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO).
Hurricane Helpers will be integrated into the Sheriff’s School Resource Officer and Community Engagement programs, marking PCSO as the only sheriff’s office in the country to incorporate a children’s book in community outreach.
With James Burd Brewster of Pender County as the author and Sergio Drumond as the illustrator, the book tells the story of five deputies who helped Mitchell County residents recovering from Hurricane Helene.
The book features real Pender County deputies as characters in the story, highlighting their role as public servants and including information on PCSO and safety tips.
“This book is a powerful tool to connect with our youth, showing them that our deputies are here to serve and protect while inspiring engagement and trust,” Sheriff Alan Cutler said.
PCSO aims to distribute the book to every elementary school student in Pender County public schools. Additional copies will be provided for private school children and at community events.
Two book launch and reading events are scheduled where Sheriff Cutler will personally read Hurricane Helpers at the Hampstead Branch Library on Sept. 16 at 4:30 p.m. and the Main Library in Burgaw on Sept. 17 at 4 p.m.
The five deputies in the book will be present to sign copies for the public, where every child attending will receive a free copy of Hurricane Helpers.
For more information, call PCSO at 910-259-1212.
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