“ It’ s a feel-good program that a lot of people have a connection to.”
“ The agencies are getting really creative on how they’ re doing it,” says Gatto.“ They have a commitment at the agency level and helping at a larger scale.”
For example, Fullerton Police Department is selling its pink patches the traditional way( the agency’ s patch redesigned using vibrant pink) and also in a framed version. For those who wanted something a little different, Fullerton Police Community Service Officer Kristy Wells put together 4-by-6 framed patches on black matte, which sold for $ 20, with the loose patches selling for $ 10. After selling all 150 frames, she had requests for more – which she’ s supplying. The campaign will run through the end of October.
“ I had a lady last week saying she’ s actually collecting the pink patches and will be making a quilt,” says Wells.
Wells says many people in law enforcement and the general community have been impacted by the disease.
“ I think a lot of people have been affected in some way, whether they know a family member or friend,” she says.“ I think everyone has a story.”
Breast cancer awareness efforts at Fullerton PD began a few years ago with proceeds from T-shirts sold within the agency donated to St. Jude Cancer Research. This year, the FPD’ s campaign expanded to the community at large with the pink patches. In one month, the agency sold 220 patches, according to Wells, and that was even before the month of October.
“ It got a lot bigger than I thought it would and very quickly … which I’ m very happy about,” says Wells.
Fullerton Police is selling patches far beyond its city borders, including a mother from West Virginia who want-
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24 California Police Chief | www. californiapolicechiefs. org