NAHANT — The Police Department will be wearing pink patches throughout October to raise awareness for the fight against breast cancer.
Police Chief Timothy Furlong announced Wednesday that the town’s police department has partnered with the Pink Patch Project, a public-awareness campaign, on an initiative that will brighten up the uniforms of officers, and promote a good cause at the same time.
While the town’s police officers usually wear pink ribbons in October for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the department decided to shake things up this year and wear pink patches on their uniforms instead to raise awareness and show support for those who are battling breast cancer or have had cancer in the past, said Police Lt. Stephen Shultz.
While past year’s ribbons bring to mind the black mourning ribbons that are worn when an officer is killed, the new patches resemble the everyday ones that are stitched into Nahant’s police uniforms; the only difference is that they are outlined in pink and have pink accents within the logo, Shultz said.
The town’s Fire Department is also taking part in Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The fire and police departments will play each other in the first inter-department softball game on Oct. 16 at the Lowlands field; the friendly competition, which kicks off at 11 a.m., will raise funds for breast-cancer charities, police said.
“The officers reached out to us and asked if it was something we would be interested in or if we could even muster up enough people,” said Nahant Firefighter Nick Papagelis. “I texted the guys and there was a ton of interest.”
Shirts and food will be sold at the game, with all proceeds going toward breast-cancer research. Police will also be selling the pink patches they have been wearing.
“Breast cancer is a disease that affects so many people, and we are proud to raise awareness and show support for those whose lives have been impacted by it,” Furlong said. “I want to thank our officers who will be participating in this meaningful program, as well as our partners at the Nahant Fire Department for joining us in the effort to raise money to benefit those still fighting breast cancer.”
Patches are also available for purchase at the police station for $5 each. Patches and T-shirts will also be sold by police and firefighters at the farmers market, which will be held at Flash Road Park on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Hannah Chadwick can be reached at [email protected].
