Cops wear pink badges for breast cancer awareness

NEW YORK - Police officers in Binghamton, New York, traded in their gold shields for pink badges to raise awareness for breast cancer throughout October. They're supporting the American Cancer Society's Real Men Wear Pink campaign.

Capt. Larry Hendrickson said that everyone has been touched by cancer in some way and that wearing the pink badges also helps officers bond with the community.

"We are part of the community so it does start dialogue," Hendrickson said. "If somebody comes up and they see the pink badge, not only does that help us to raise awareness for breast cancer, but it also starts a dialogue between the citizen and the officer."

The captain said the department is also raising money to fund cancer research. Last year, the cops raised $5,500. This year, they hope to raise $10,000.