(Le Mars) — October is known as breast cancer awareness month, and November recognized as prostate cancer awareness month. For the months of October and November, officers with the Le Mars Police Department will be sporting new badges. The badges have the color pink incorporated as part of the badge. Le Mars Police Chief Kevin Vande Vegte says when the officers of the Le Mars Police Department were asked if they wanted the new badge showing support for cancer victims and cancer awareness, the response was overwhelming.
In past years, the Le Mars Police Department acknowledged breast cancer awareness by having a pink ribbon painted on some of the squad patrol cars. Vande Vegte says this year, the awareness campaign will be with the wearing of the pink colored badges.
Chief Vande Vegte says the officers will wear the special colored badges for both October and November. Unfortunately, cancer has struck the Le Mars Police Department family as retired officer Mark Reed has been diagnosed with brain cancer. A benefit was held in Reed’s honor this past Saturday with positive support by the community.
Vande Vegte says the police department will keep the pink colored badges and will wear them again next year during October and November. The badges features an eagle with its wings spread wide at the top of the shield with a five-point star centered inside the shield with the Iowa state seal placed in the middle of the star. Near the bottom of the badge are the colors of our nation’s flag, with red and white stripes with white stars against a blue backdrop. The badge also features the characteristic blue line against a black banner representing police officers. The badge has the words “honor, service, duty, and trust” surrounding the star.
