Adelphi officer wears patch in support of breast cancer awareness



Sgt. Gerry Lennon, of Adelphi University's Department of Public Safety

Sgt. Gerry Lennon, of Adelphi University’s Department of Public Safety

The pink patch has significant meaning for Sgt. Gerry Lennon, of Adelphi University’s Department of Public Safety and Transportation division. The twelve-year security personnel veteran lost his sister to breast cancer in 2015 and his mother was a survivor of the disease.

“I’ve witnessed firsthand what this disease can do, so that is why I’m proud to wear this patch on my uniform,” said Lennon. “This is not only to recognize breast cancer awareness month, but to increase awareness of Adelphi’s Breast Cancer Hotline and Support Program, which was very helpful to my family in our time of need.”
According to the website pinkpatchproject.com, the initiative was started in California in 2013. The police department in the coastal city of Seal Beach, wore pink patches on their uniforms during October to commemorate breast cancer awareness month.
The initiative spread to over 200 other departments and agencies in California and also gained notoriety in New York, in police and fire departments and emergency medical services units.
Lennon said that he ordered a hundred pink patches a month ago to commemorate breast cancer awareness month and to increase awareness of the breast cancer hotline on campus.
“I wanted to feel it out and see who else might be interested in wearing the patches . Currently I have only about fifty left because a lot of the staff on campus from office workers to other departments, have taken them off my hands.”
He said that any donations would be accepted for the patches, and all of the proceeds earned would go directly to the Breast Cancer Hotline and Support Program.
Lennon’s supervisor, Michael McGuinness, Director of administration and investigations, loved the idea of one of his officers wearing the patches on their uniforms.
“Adelphi’s Department of Public Safety is honored to be sponsoring this campaign and we stand in solidarity with the families of those affected by this terrible disease,” said McGuinness. “Sergeant Lennon’s efforts demonstrates a sense of compassion and empathy shared by all our public safety professionals toward those who have been affected and their families.”
Lennon said that because the university has gone hybrid, there are not as many events on campus to commemorate breast cancer awareness month.
“Normally there would be a lot going on this month, but I plan to do my part by wearing the patch mixed in with my regular shirts or trying to switch things up with a ribbon or even a commemorative date on the patch,” said Lennon.
To find out more about the pink patch, you can visit the website pink patchproject.com.

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