Wilmington Police Department Creates LGBTQ+ Pride Patch For June

WILMINGTON, MA — June is Pride Month and the Wilmington Police Department will be marking the occasion with a new LGBTQ+ Pride Patch.

The patch, designed by Wilmington PD Patrol Officer Michael DiLorenzo, is a replica of the actual Wilmington Police Department patch, but it is highlighted in the rainbow colors of the Pride flag.

This is the first year the Wilmington PD will be taking part in the Pride Patch program.

"Starting June 1, and during the entire month, Wilmington police officers will have the option to wear this new patch to show support for our employees and community members who are LGBTQ+," the department said in a statement.

Members of the public also can purchase the patches, which cost $10. Patches currently are available at the front desk of the Wilmington Police Department, located at 1 Adelaide St.

The proceeds from the sales will go directly to the North Shore Alliance of GLBTQ Youth (NAGLY)The Salem-based NAGLY is one of the largest LGBTQ youth centers in the country and it serves students from all over the area, including from Wilmington.

Members of the Wilmington PD and representatives from NAGLY are scheduled to appear together at the Wilmington Farmers Market on June 11 and June 25, where they will be selling patches and collecting donations for the organization.

The Wilmington PD's new F-150 police cruiser also is scheduled to appear at the Farmers Market on those two dates.

Though members of the Wilmington PD will be wearing the Pride Patch for the first time, the department has worn and sold patches for other causes, including Breast Cancer Awareness in October, Autism Awareness in April, and a fallen officer tribute patch in May, a month that includes National Police Week.

Any questions about the Pride Patch program can be directed to DiLorenzo at mdilorenzo@wbd.org.