Highland, Calif. – The San Manuel Department of Public Safety joined the Los Angeles County Police Chiefs’ Association (LACPCA) and public safety agencies across the country to kick off its Pink Patch Project program at The Rose Bowl.
The Pink Patch Project is an innovative campaign that aims to raise public awareness about breast cancer and raise funds to support research to find a cure. It is a collaborative effort between the LACPCA and nearly 400 participating public safety agencies.
Employees from the participating agencies will be wearing special pink versions of their department patches during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October. The pink patches are intended to stimulate conversation within the community and to encourage public awareness about the importance of early detection and treatment in the fight against breast cancer.
San Manuel DPS consists of nearly 400 employees that are responsible for the safety and security of Tribal citizens, their families, San Manuel’s nearly 5,000 employees and the many patrons who visit the San Manuel Indian Reservation every year. This is the second year San Manuel has participated, and is the first and only tribal agency to participate.
“San Manuel Public Safety Officers and Public Safety Assistants are some of our most visible team members, and their impact on the safety and well-being of our businesses and community is tremendous. For those who have ever been affected by breast cancer, seeing someone with the pinkpatch is impactful and says ‘You’re not alone. We stand with you,’” said San Manuel Band of Mission Indians Chairwoman Lynn Valbuena.
Valbuena added, “Our involvement with the Pink Patch Project is a reflection of the importance the Tribe places on working with other governments and agencies to address health and wellness. We are pleased to join first responders to demonstrate unified support to bringing awareness, help and healing to those affected by breast cancer.”
About the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians
The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians is a federally-recognized Indian tribe located on the San Manuel Indian Reservation near Highland, California. San Manuel exercises its inherent sovereign right of self-governance and provides essential services for its citizens by building infrastructure, maintaining civil services, and promoting social, economic and cultural development. As descendants of the indigenous people of the San Bernardino highlands, passes, valleys, mountains and high deserts, the Serrano people of San Manuel have called this area home since time immemorial and are committed to remaining a productive partner in the San Bernardino region.
