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Properly Garbed Sulphur Springs Scouts Salute Officer

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By JOSH POLTILOVE | The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 5, 2009

When Tampa Police Maj. Sophia Teague saw Cub Scout Pack 1952 at an event last year, she was embarrassed for them.

The Sulphur Springs children didn't have proper scout uniforms, and Teague felt bad about what that might do to their psyches. So she helped spearhead a fundraiser to get the children the correct garb.

Thanks to Teague, officers and others in the community raised $805 for uniforms, Cubmaster Earl D. Silas said.

To honor Teague, a handful of the scouts arrived at police headquarters this morning. At a police staff meeting, the children gave Teague a plaque and shook her hand.

"The uniforms are great, and I think it's great that she offered to help us," said scout Leandre Brown, 9, one of the uniform recipients. "It's not like uniforms just fall out of the sky."

Scout uniforms cost about $100 each.

After receiving the plaque, Teague said she was only one of several to help the scouts. She said she was glad the children got the uniforms they deserve.

"They look like all the other scouts now," said Teague, who has been with the department for 24 years.

Chief Stephen Hogue praised Teague for her efforts in the community. He said she has done great work in the Sulphur Springs area, going above and beyond her duty to help.

Silas, whose troop has existed for three years and has about 15 members, also thanked Teague.

"It makes them feel very good about themselves," Silas said of the uniforms.

Reporter Josh Poltilove can be reached at (813) 259-7691.

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