BRAINTREE – A growing number of police officers nationwide are using the sleeves of their uniforms to help raise awareness of breast cancer.
They are taking part in “The Pink Patch Project,” where they wear special, pink departmental patches during October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In addition to wearing the patches, many departments are selling the patches to raise money for a variety of breast cancer related charities.
Hingham Police Sgt. Steven Dearth, whose department was one of the first on the East Coast to join the program last year, said the patches prompt conversations about the disease.”
“It’s a simple idea where we can help make a difference in our community,” said Dearth. “You are increasing awareness and raising money.”
The Hull Police Department is also in their second year in the program. Joining them this year are Quincy, Braintree, Randolph, Cohasset, Duxbury, Falmouth, Plymouth, Whitman, Bridgewater State University Police and the Massachusetts State Police.
Dearth said the Hingham police, who sell the patches year-round, raised about $2,000 for the Susan Smith Centers for Womens’ Cancers at the Dana-Farber Cancer Center in Boston. He said the charity was chosen because it is where many local residents go for treatment.
Hull Police raised about $1,800 last year.
Irwindale, California Police Sgt. Rudy Gatto, a national spokesman for the project, said it has grown from 84 agencies last year to at least 210 this year.
“It’s absolutely exploded,” Gatto said. “It has kind of grown beyond our humble control.”
Departments in Los Angeles County, including the Sheriff’s Department with 11,000 members, and in Massachusetts are the two largest concentrations of program participants, Gatto said. The project has been embraced by departments around the country, and has also spread to fire departments, emergency medical services and other law enforcement agencies.
The first pink patch was done by police in Seal Beach, California. Three years ago, former Irwindale Police Chief Anthony Miranda same up with the idea of using the patches, which are popular collectibles in the public safety community, as a fundraiser. In the first year, they raised $10,000, Gatto said.
Last year, $325,000 was raised nationwide, and Gatto said this year’s goal is $500,000.
Braintree police Officer Peter Gillis, which joined the project this year, said their patches are already selling well. He thinks it is because so many are affected by the disease. The American Cancer Society says one in eight women will get breast cancer in their lifetime
“I think it touches everybody,” Gillis said. “Everybody out there knows someone or is related to someone who has had breast cancer,” he said.
On Wednesday, officers from participating departments around the state will pose with their department’s patches on the steps of the State House.
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