Local Police Join ‘Pink Patch Project' for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Law enforcement officials across the country are doing more than fighting crime this October — they're joining together to fight breast cancer. 

The Los Angeles County Police Chiefs' Association and more than 60 public safety agencies across the country have joined the "Pink Patch Project."

The campaign is designed to bring attention to the fight against breast cancer and also raises funds for education, research and treatment. 

Police officers are sporting bright pink uniform patches for the entire month of October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, as part of the campaign. 

Repost from @laspd - Supporting the Fighter, Admiring the Survivor, Honoring the Taken, and Never Ever Giving Up Hope. #LASPD #PinkPatchProject #BreastCancerAwareness #SchoolPolice #PuttingTheCuffsOnCancer #ThinkPink #EndCancer #Pinktober - #regrann

A photo posted by Pink Patch Project (@pinkpatchproject) on Oct 3, 2016 at 12:43pm PDT

"The main purpose of wearing the patches in the field is to open up some lines of communication," said Sgt. Rudy Gatto of the Irwindale Police Department. 

The cause is near and dear to Gatto's heart. His mother-in-law is a breast cancer survivor. 

He said that the pink patches are meant to stimulate conversation with the community about the importance of early detection and treatment. 

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women. 

Participating police departments are selling various items to raise funds including patches, T-shirts and dog tags.

The Pink Patch Project began in 2013 with the Seal Beach Police Department in Orange County. 

For more information on the Pink Patch Project, click here.