Ogden police wear pink badges to raise awareness for breast cancer

OGDEN — Ogden police officers are wearing pink badges this October for Breast Cancer Awareness Month to encourage early detection, raise community awareness and support those undergoing treatment.

In a Facebook post Wednesday, Ogden police called the badges a "powerful symbol of their commitment to supporting the fight against breast cancer."

"By wearing these pink badges, our officers are not only demonstrating their dedication to public safety but also their empathy for those who have battled or continue to battle this formidable disease," the post reads. "Ogden's officers are not just defenders of the community; they are also champions for a healthier, more compassionate world."

Lt. Will Farr said he hopes Ogden will be inspired to become more educated about breast cancer.

"I think it's so important that men and women, alike, learn more about it so they can understand that this is really a disease that, with early detection, is curable," Farr said. "The biggest thing is people should become educated and be aware and take those measures to try to detect it early."

Farr said the department started observing Breast Cancer Awareness Month about five years ago by donning pink patches with the Ogden police logo on their uniforms, under the direction of former Chief Randy Watt.

Chief Eric Young, who took over the department in January 2021, led the department to wear pink badges for the first time this year.

Farr said Watt had family members affected by breast cancer, and added that most people do. "I think most people have some story or can relate to people who are affected by it, because it affects so many people," Farr said.

Breast cancer is the second-most common type of cancer in U.S. women after skin cancer, according to the American Cancer Society, making up about 30% of all new female cancer diagnoses each year. Fortunately, the American Cancer Society says breast cancer death rates have steadily decreased, with a decline of 43% from 1989 to 2020, believed to be largely due to earlier screening, increased awareness and better treatments.

The department encourages the community to get involved through donating to reputable charities, participating in awareness campaigns and learning more about prevention and early detection.

"We are proud of our officers for embracing this cause with open hearts and pink badges. The symbolic gesture serves as a reminder that we are all in this together, and together, we can make a difference," the department said in its Facebook post.

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