The Newtown Police Department is continuing its very important advocacy and community outreach by being one of the departments participating in the #pinkpatchproject to raise funds and awareness for those in the community battling breast cancer.

The project originated in 2013 with the Seal Beach Police Department in Southern California, who wore pink patches on their uniforms during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

In 2015, the Irwindale Police Department in California ran with the idea and sold their patches to the community, raising over $20,000.00 for one of the nation’s largest and most effective cancer centers, the City of Hope.

Chief Anthony Miranda took the idea to the Los Angeles Police Chiefs Association and 25 local agencies came on board.

As of 2024, the program has expanded to several hundred partner agencies throughout the world and includes partners from police, sheriff, fire, EMS and federal departments worldwide.

Breast cancer affects both men and women.

The goal of the Pink Patch Project is increasing awareness about the life-saving benefits of early detection and early intervention in the fight against breast cancer. In addition to our public education efforts, we have the added goal of raising funds from the sale of Pink Patch Project patches and other items to go directly to fund the research, treatment and education needed to help find a cure.

To learn more about breast cancer, breast cancer symptoms, breast cancer risk factors and diagnosis, breast cancer research and breast cancer in men, visit cityofhope.org/clinical-program/breast-cancer.

The program centers on vibrant pink versions of the public safety employee’s uniform patch. These bright pink patches have been specially designed by each participating agency specifically for their Pink Patch Project participation. Public safety employees at each of the participating agencies wear their pink patches on their regular duty uniforms each year for the entire month of October during “Breast Cancer Awareness Month.”

The pink patches are intended to stimulate conversation with the community and to encourage public awareness about the importance of early detection and the on-going fight against this disease.

Visit the Newtown Police Department’s Facebook page to find a printable form to place orders, which should be in by June 10. The hand delivery option is for Newtown residents only.

For more information on ordering patches contact Officer Barry Hyvarinen at barry.hyvarinen@newtown-ct.gov. For more information on the Pink Patch Project go to pinkpatchproject.com.

The Newtown Police Department gives to the community every day with their service safeguarding the town, and the department always goes the extra mile when it comes to service programs such as the Pink Patch Program, participating in the DEA drug takebacks, the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics, collecting unwanted books on cassette and cassette recorders for seniors back in March, among many others.

The next time you see a Newtown police officer, make sure to thank them for everything they do for the Newtown community and beyond.