Leon County unveils bear mascot for 20th anniversary of EMS

Move over Smokey.

Leon County is calling on community members to find the perfect name for their newest EMS team member:

A bear mascot.

According to a press release from the county, residents of all ages have until 5 p.m. July 19 to submit their responses for the "paw-fect" name for the new recruit.

The bear mascot comes as part of the celebration for the 20th anniversary of Leon County Medical Services, "which has provided clinically superior, cost-effective emergency medical services and transport to the citizens and visitors of Leon County."

Residents can go online to vote for one of five names for the bear:

• Benjie
• Benny
• Bo
• Sunny
• Teddy

"Always ready to lend a paw, this friendly 'Bear-a-medic' will help promote the health and safety of residents and visitors at community trainings and events," the county said in their press release. The mascot's winning name will be revealed later this month.

Arianna Otero is the City Solutions Reporter for the Tallahassee Democrat. Contact her via email at AOtero@tallahassee.com or on Twitter/X: @ari_v_otero.