Locals can purchase their own pink Dixon police badge for $10, with all proceeds going to fight breast cancer. Photo courtesy of the Dixon Police Department.

DIXON, CA (MPG) - Locals can wear a law enforcement badge this month.

It is pink and made of cloth but it is a badge nonetheless, showing support for the Pink Patch Project (PPP), a not- for-profit group started in 2013 with the Seal Beach California Police Department to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October.

After seeing Seal officers wearing pink patches, the Irwindale California Police Department sold patches in 2015, raising more than $20,000 for the City of Hope, according to the project website. Since then, 25 local agencies, including the Dixon Police Department, came on board.

“The Pink Patch Project is an initiative aimed at increasing public awareness about breast cancer, a disease that affects millions of people worldwide,” Dixon public information officer Madeline Graf said. “By using the visibility of police officers, the project seeks to educate the community on the importance of early detection and prevention.”

Throughout this month, Dixon Police Officers sport the pink insignia alongside their brass badges.

“Our officers proudly wear pink patches on their uniforms to show support for this important cause,” Graf said, adding that the project brings together police officers, city staff, elected officials and public members to join forces for the cause.

Countless research studies and statistics track cancer, with one CBS news poll showing that one in every four people in the U.S. knows someone with the disease.

“Supporting peers, family members and community members who suffer from cancer is crucial because it reinforces a network of care and empathy that is essential during such challenging times,” Graf said.

The National Cancer Institute at-a-glance reports reveal this year that more than two-million new cancer cases will arise while more than 600,000 will die from it.

Graf said that Pink Patch Project “highlights the role of law enforcement in promoting health and safety within the community.”

“It underscores the message that police are not just protectors against crime but also advocates for the well-being of the people they serve,” Graf said.

Graf said the overall Pink Patch Project initiative to “spark conversations, raise funds for breast cancer research, and support individuals and families impacted by the disease” is open to all community members.

Thus far, the Pink Patch Project reports selling more than 1.5 million badges and raising more than $2 million from 966 agencies.

“You can purchase your very own Dixon Police Department pink patches as a keepsake for $10 each,” Graf said. “These make a meaningful gift or a great way to show your support for breast cancer awareness.”

Graf added that all proceeds from all patch sales support breast cancer patients and their families.

You can contact the Dixon Police Officers’ Association (DPOA) board Officers via email at [email protected] to place your order.

“Together, we can make a difference in the fight against breast cancer,” Graf said. “Let’s raise awareness, show support and spread hope this October.”