This October people in Mount Olive Township may observe officers wearing pink patches on their uniforms. It is all part of the “#Pink Patch Project”. The #PinkPatchProject began as a collaborative effort between the Los Angeles County Police Chiefs’ Association and several public safety agencies in Los Angeles County and beyond. These agencies have partnered together to combat breast cancer by raising public awareness and to raise funds for breast cancer research and treatment.
The program centers on vibrant pink versions of the public safety officer’s uniform patch. These bright pink patches have been specially designed by each participating agency specifically for the #PinkPatchProject campaign. Officers at each of the participating agencies may wear these pink patches on their regular uniforms for the entire month of October each year during “Breast Cancer Awareness Month.”
Lt. Austenberg suggested the Mount Olive Township Police Department participate in this initiative. He subsequently designed the patch and brought it to the attention of Chief Stephen Beecher.
Lt. Austenberg stated:
“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.”
Chief Stephen Beecher stated:
“When Lt. Austenberg came to me with the “#Pink Patch Project” initiative it was an easy decision to support the program. As a college student our Patrol Lieutenant, Philip Lucivero, lost his mother to the disease. My wife is a breast cancer survivor; Lt. Austenberg’s sister Anita Austenberg-Shotwell is currently fighting the disease; and many people residing or working in our community have been or are presently affected by this illness. Our police department is proud to support the effort towards better treatments and a cure for breast cancer.”
Pink uniform patches are available for sale to the general public. Patches are $10 each with all proceeds going towards cancer treatment and research. Patches can be obtained at police headquarters, 204 Flanders Drakestown Road in Budd Lake. Inquiries regarding the patches can be made to Lt. Austenberg at 973-691-0900 extension 7567 or at caustenberg@mopd.org.
Further information on the Pink Patch Project can be found at https://www.facebook.com/pinkpatchproject/ and http://www.irwindaleca.gov/index.aspx?NID=363
