The Kinston Police Department embraced the Pink Patch Project which is an innovative public awareness campaign to bring attention to breast cancer and to support breast cancer research to help combat the disease. The project originated in 2013 with the Seal Beach Police Department in Southern California who first wore the bright pink patches on their uniform.

“We are really excited about what we are doing, our pink patch supports breast cancer awareness month and we’re hoping that we can raise lots of profits for UNC Lenoir and for the patients here who have breast cancer,” said Officer Sydni May, Kinston Police Department.

Participating members of KPD purchased the patches to support UNC Lenoir and the fight against breast cancer. They will be wearing these pink patches on their uniforms for the month of October.

“This is a great opportunity for us to get out and interact with citizens in our community as well as the workers here at LMH. Our officers have missed that a little bit with COVID. But with wearing masks and social distancing we are able to get back out in the community,” said Major Jenee Spencer, Kinston Police Department. “This gave us an opportunity to donate money toward breast cancer awareness. The officers were very excited to do that and to show their support. This is something we’ll do every October.”

The Kinston Police Department joins the Fayetteville Police Department, Rutherfordton Fire and Police Departments, and Weaverville Police Department in utilizing the Pink Patch Project to raise money and awareness for breast cancer.

“The foundation is so grateful to have the KPD recognize the importance of realizing that breast cancer is something that we still need to work hard on. The fact that they chose us to receive their gift is really uplifting,” said Dirk Griffith, Foundation Director at UNC Lenoir.