Green Bay officers swap gold badges for pink

Shelby Le Duc, USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

GREEN BAY - Come October, officers will trade their traditional gold uniform badges for pink ones to highlight Breast Cancer Awareness Month. 

Green Bay police will wear pink badges in October to draw attention to Breast Cancer Awareness Week.

Inspired after breast cancer impacted his family, Lt. Steve Mahoney came up with the idea for the pink badges as a way to raise money for breast cancer research and spread awareness throughout the community.

Mahoney's wife, Jen, was diagnosed in December 2014 with tubular carcinoma breast cancer. She underwent a double mastectomy and is now cancer-free.

Mahoney said his wife's diagnosis was emotional and eye-opening. He learned through research and support from fellow officers that breast cancer touches nearly everyone's life in some way. That includes Chief Andrew Smith, whose mother is also a survivor.

"With the badges, it's not just about breast cancer research," he said. "I truly hope that if a lady out there in the community — whether it be at a Packer game, when I'm working night shift or day shift — sees my badge and is convinced to get their mammogram. It saved Jen's life."

The badges were made by Medalcraft Mint Inc. in Green Bay. More than 100 officers bought badges, with $25 from each purchase going to Ribbon of Hope, a foundation that provides financial, informational and emotional support for individuals with breast cancer in northeastern Wisconsin.

sleduc@greenbay.gannett.com 'Like' Shelby Le Duc on Facebook and follow her on Twitter @pgshelbyleduc

Green Bay Police chief Andrew Smith and officers announce they will be wearing specially made pink badges during October for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.