UCPD officers sport new pink badges

On Oct. 1, the University of Cincinnati Police Division switched out their badges in favor of new, pink badges.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is personal to Lt. William Richey, who spearheaded the project. His mother had breast cancer and died in 1997.

The idea came about last year when Lt. Richey, then a sergeant, was wearing a shirt with a breast cancer ribbon on it. Police Chief Maris Herold and Public Safety Director James Whalen asked him about the shirt, and Lt. Richey explained that he lost his mother to cancer.

Chief Herold asked him to look into purchasing pink badges for the department. Lt. Richey worked with Symbol Arts to design the badges.

The badge switch goes beyond supporting breast cancer research and honoring those who have and have had breast cancer. It also is a connection to the community, Lt. Richey said.

“When you see police supporting a cause that’s also meaningful to you, I think it can help bridge gaps and spark conversation,” he said.

For Lt. Richey personally, it means a lot to see the division he works for wearing these badges. He ordered two extra, one to keep and one to mount to his mother’s tombstone.

“I’m proud to be part of a division that supports this, and provided these badges to all the officers,” Lt. Richey said.

For Chief Herold, it is important that UCPD supports causes the community cares about, and connects with the community.

“Most people either have had cancer, or know someone who has, including many members of UCPD. This is a great way to show support and compassion, and to create a bond with the community,” Chief Herold said.