DOWNEY – Downey Police Department has joined several Los Angeles County law enforcement agencies in the #PinkPatchProject, an innovative campaign designed to raise public awareness of and raise funds to combat breast cancer.

As a part of the campaign, officers from 25 different agencies throughout LA County will wear vibrant pink versions of their agency uniform patches during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October. 

Several agencies will also be selling T-shirts and the pink versions of their patches during project’s duration. All of the proceeds will go to help the fight against cancer, primarily to City of Hope. 

The campaign officially kicked off with a press conference Thursday Morning, held at Quiet Cannon Conference and Event Center in Montebello. Several Police Chiefs from participating agencies were present, including Downey Chief of Police Carl Charles.

“When Chief [Tony] Miranda from Irwindale brought it up to the LA County Chiefs we thought it was extremely worthwhile [and] I jumped at it,” said Charles. “Having had relatives, several of them, that were afflicted with cancer –and some with of them with breast cancer – I thought it was a great way for us to give them some exposure, give the cancer some exposure, how to prevent it, how to catch it early, and the best chance of beating the disease.”

According to Charles, DPD and the police officers association were excited when he brought the idea back to the department. 

City residents can already support the cause by purchasing DPD’s pink patch and/or a t-shirt for $10 and $20 respectively.

“As you know we have some of the best residents anywhere; they’ve been so supportive of us,” said Charles. “To get behind us with this cause, they can come to the station, or they can call Lt. Scott Loughner [at] (562) 904-2319…100% of the proceeds will go to fight cancer.”

For more information on the campaign, please visit pinkpatchproject.com.