MURRIETA, CA — Murrieta Police are "going pink" with new pink embroidered patches in support of Breast Cancer Awareness this October, and will be selling the patches all year in support of Michelle's Place Breast Cancer Resource Center.
The Murrieta Police Department started selling these patches Friday at the Murrieta Police Department headquarters.
"This year, Chief Tony Conrad has approved the Murrieta Police Department to participate in the Pink Patch Project and requested our Police Department shoulder patch be turned pink during October to help support this campaign," the department announced over Facebook Friday morning. The patches are worn by officers and are available for sale to raise funds for breast cancer research and the local breast cancer resource center, Michelle's Place.
"Michelle's Place provides over 10,000 free services a year to individuals and families impacted by all types of cancers," a department spokesperson Claudia Vega said. "Donations allow Michelle's Place to continue to provide the necessary support to individuals and their families impacted by cancer throughout our community."
Michelle's Place Executive Director Kim Goodnough says they've had a great relationship with the department. "They've always done small fundraisers for us, showing support to our mission and resources, but promoting awareness."
She said that having the police out in the field wearing the pink patch will be a conversation starter and continue awareness for both breast cancer awareness and the support that Michelle's Place offers.
The "Pink Patch Project"originated in 2013 with the Seal Beach Police Department. Irwindale Police expanded the idea in 2016, founding the nationwide Pink Patch Project, selling their patches and donating the profits towards breast cancer support and research. The project is recognized as an innovative public awareness campaign to bring attention to the fight against breast cancer and to support breast cancer research organizations in combating this devastating disease.
Currently, over 750 agencies throughout the country participate in the Pink Patch Project, including Murrieta.
To buy the patch, you must visit the Murrieta Police Department at 2 Town Square. Patches will be sold at the front counter for $10.
For further sales information, please contact: Claudia Vega at 951.461.6320 or CVega@MurrietaCA.gov or Hiba Diaz at 951.461.6319 or HDiaz@MurrietaCA.gov.
To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.