Law enforcement agencies from across the metro are sporting pink patches this month for a good cause. The Pink Patch Project aims to raise money and awareness for families affected by cancer.
The idea started with the La Vista police locally, after hearing about the project being done in California. It then spread to the Omaha, Ralston and Papillion police forces and the Sarpy and Douglas County sheriff's offices.
La Vista Police Chief Bob Lausten says the Pink Patch Project is an important way to connect with the community. "Cancer affects everybody, whether it's breast cancer, brain caner, pediatric cancer. It's a connection with everybody to show that we're part of this and putting the cuffs on cancer together metro wide."
Lausten says everyone involved rallied behind the project. "The Fraternal Order of Police bought $3,000 worth of uniform shirts so we wouldn't have to sew on and off patches. They are totally behind this because it affects everybody city wide."
Each of the departments designed their own special version of the pick patches, which are available for $10 online and at department head quarters. Proceeds from the sales will go to different cancer foundations.
Omaha Police and the Douglas County Sheriff's money will go to the Kamie K. Preston Hereditary Cancer Foundation, which was started in memory of an Omaha police officer who died from breast cancer. Sarpy County Sheriff's proceeds will go to Leap-For-A-Cure, a foundation that helps those affected by brain tumors and cancers. La Vista and Ralston's funds will go to the Scare Away Cancer Foundation.
Some HyVee locations are also selling Pink Patch Project shirts for $20 with funds raised from sales being split between the three foundations.
You can find the shirts at the following locations:
- 156th & Maple
- 132nd & Dodge
- 108th & Fort
- 96th & Q Streets.