ALACHUA, FL (352today.com) – Across the 352, law enforcement officers are donning pink badges and driving pink police cruisers in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Yesterday, the Alachua Police Department (APD) made a Facebook post announcing its Breast Cancer Awareness-themed pink patrol car can be seen around town. If you see it, you’re encouraged to snap a picture at post it with the hashtag #AlachuaGoesPink.
APD has also updated its social media profiles to a pink-and-purple theme, simultaneously recognizing Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the coinciding National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, which both take place every October.
Other local law enforcement departments are also going pink this month. Wildwood Police Department (WPD) officers will be wearing pink badges this month. Dixie County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) and Dixie County Fire Rescue (DCFR) have both pinked out their social media profiles. Gilchrist (GCSO), Hernando (HCSO) and Levy County Sheriff’s Offices (LCSO) have also changed their online logos to pink versions, along with the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP).
October is recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a famously pink-themed campaign which aims to promote screening and prevention. Breast cancer affects one in eight women in the U.S. every year.
October is also National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, which is often represented with purple ribbons. APD encourages community members who may be victims of domestic violence to call the Peaceful Paths 24-hour helpline at 352-377-8255.