Behind the Badge
The Fullerton Police Department has joined the Fullerton Fire Department to kick off Pinktober on Wednesday, Oct. 1 to commemorate October as National Breast Cancer Awareness month.
Members of Fullerton PD, sworn, non-sworn, civilian and professional staff have purchased and will wear pink T-shirts and officers will wear pink mourning bands all throughout the month of October. Proceeds from the sales of the pink T-shirts and pink mourning bands will be donated to a local charitable foundation.
Breast Cancer Awareness month is an annual campaign to increase awareness of the disease and remind people to take the steps to detect the disease in its early stages and encourage others to do the same, according to the National Breast Cancer Foundation website.
“We all know someone that has been touched by cancer; friends, family members and loved ones…,” said Fullerton Police Sgt. Kathryn Hamel. “So, we are happy to join with the community in order to raise awareness of this terrible disease and lend our support to those in need.”
On Wednesday, Fullerton police officers and firefighters joined Troy High school students, faculty, administrators and guests for an assembly in the school quad.
Troy High School English teacher Dorey Madrid addresses the crowd who gathered Wednesday to support her fight against breast cancer.
A Tribute Fire Engine recognized Dorey Madrid, a Troy High English teacher who is currently battling breast cancer.
Throughout the month, the tribute fire engine will collect signatures from people who have beaten cancer, are currently suffering from cancer, or in memory of those who have lost their battle to cancer. The goal is to have signatures completely cover the engine.
Madrid’s will be the first signature on this engine and she has chosen St. Jude Medical Center Crosson Cancer Institute to be the recipient of all donations raised this month by Fullerton Fire.
The Tribute Fire Engine will be also parked every Thursday evening at the Fullerton Farmers Market where T-shirts, ball caps, and window decals will be sold and signatures collected.
Heroes Restaurant, along with five local major salons and beauty shops, are joining Fullerton Fire for the first ever Fullerton “Buzz Off” on Saturday, Oct. 11.
The “Buzz Off” will encourage the public to shave their head and/or cut their long hair for “Locks of Love.” Money raised at the “Buzz Off” will go to St. Jude on behalf of Dorey Madrid.
* Photos courtesy of Danielle Dodero
Contact the writer at tdodero@behindthebadgeoc.com.
