Manhattan Beach Police Raise $5,000-Plus for Breast Cancer Research through Pink Patch Project

MANHATTAN BEACH, CA -- The Manhattan Beach Police Department raised more than $5,000 for breast cancer research through its Pink Patch Project, the department announced.

On Monday, the Los Angeles County Police Chiefs’ Association presented a check to City of Hope officials for more than $205,000 -- the total raised by more than 40 Southland public safety agencies.

The Pink Patch Project was the brainchild of the Seal Beach Police and Irwindale Police departments. According to the Pink Patch Project website, the patches are intended to stimulate conversation within the community and to encourage public awareness in the early detection and fight against breast cancer.

"The program centers on vibrant pink versions of the public safety officer's uniform patch," Irwindale Police Department's Public Information Officer Sgt. Rudy Gatto said. "A part of the program, many agencies will sell their pink patches to the community, along with commemorative t-shirts, challenge coins and other items."

This year, county law enforcement, fire, and EMS agencies sold their Patches at the Los Angeles County Fair from Sept. 2 through Sept. 25.

Nationwide, sheriff, fire, EMS, and federal agencies in New York, Colorado, New Jersey, Massachusetts, New Mexico, Indiana, Iowa, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee and Maryland raised more than $325,000 for cancer search, education and treatment programs.

Agencies in the Southland chose City of Hope as the recipient of the monies raised.

For more information on the Pink Patch Project, visit www.pinkpatchproject.com.

-- Photo courtesy of the Manhattan Beach Police Department