Sheriff’s office makes cars a source for awareness

Domestic Violence and Breast Cancer

Two Charles County Sheriff’s Office cars are decorated in pink and purple ribbons and graphics this month to bring awareness to breast cancer and domestic violence within the county.

Capt. Charly Baker, drives the sheriff’s office Breast Cancer Awareness car, which is decorated in pink ribbons, in honor of his sister who was diagnosed with breast cancer about 10 years ago.

“In 2006, my sister was diagnosed with breast cancer; she went through chemo and radiation and had double mastectomy,” Baker said.

“She was 34 [years old] and had two young kids at the time.”

Baker said that he has been driving around the car for the sheriff’s office for about three to four years now.

“When I first saw it, I requested permission to drive it around for the month, I told them my story and now I get to drive it around,” Baker said.

He said there is not a time when he goes out in the pink ribbon decorated car that he doesn’t get several reactions from the public.

“The citizens love it, they all really appreciate it. I always get a thumbs up or comments on it.”

Baker said he hopes that when the public see the car, it brings awareness for preventative health.

“I’ve seen what my sister went through; she is my hero,” Baker said.

This is the first year that the sheriff’s office is using the decorated car for National Domestic Violence Awareness month.

Lt. Jason Carlson, commander of Judicial Services, and Sgt. Scott Grove, with the Domestic Violence Unit, will be driving the car covered in purple graphics in hope of awareness and possibly helping a victim of domestic violence.

“It’s exciting; we are happy that [the domestic violence] officers will drive the car,” CCSO Public Information Officer, Diane Richardson said.

The officers said that they hope victims of domestic violence see the car and take action.

“It’s hard to take the first step,” Grove said.

“There are numbers on the [sides of the] car that offer all kinds of help,” Carlson added.

Grove said that people see the car a lot at the courthouse, which is also where people go to get protective orders.

“We’re hopeful the car will get the word out and is an advocate for domestic violence throughout the county,” Grove said.

Not only do the officers drive the car around the county, but they also said they showcase it at events, such as the Charles County Fair. The officers said that the sheriff’s office holds fatality vigils at the headquarters for those who lost their lives to domestic violence as well.