Police don the pink (badges) for breast cancer awareness
Old shields are put to good use for Oct. commemoration.
Every time police NORTON — officer Heather Bauer saw a box of old police badges sitting in a box, she knew there was a better use for them.
So Bauer spearheaded an effort to have the old badges coated in pink, and now the entire force is wearing pink badges in October for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
“It’s not always about crime-fighting,” Bauer said. “It’s about our community. We need to work as one.”
The unusual badges, which stick out on the dark police uniforms, are a talking point for people when they encounter the officers.
“The first thing they say is, ‘Let me tell you my story,’” said Bauer, who noted that everyone is affected by breast cancer, either by having it or knowing someone who has battled the disease.
Bauer, the only female officer in Norton, also has a pair of pink-coated handcuffs.
Many law enforcement agencies around the country wear pink badges to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Norton is believed to be the first to do so in Summit County.
Officers also are wearing pink T-shirts under their uniforms. Officer Jason Sams, who has several family members who are breast cancer survivors, found people who were willing to donate the bright shirts.
Rocky’s gas station, which is in neighboring Barberton, footed the $495 bill to have the badges turned pink. Owner Shaun Jaber said police officers have a difficult job and he saw this an opportunity to help build the bond between officers and the community.
“They get no recognition at all,” he said.
Police Chief John Dalessandro said he had no problem signing off on the pink badges.
“I’m always proud of my officers when they come up with something like this,” he said.