Edison cops are going pink for breast cancer research.
EDISON -- Like breast-cancer fighting superheroes, township police will be wearing pink T-shirts underneath their uniforms in honor of national Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Officers will also be distributing literature and raising money for medical research, according to a statement from the township.
Edison PBA Local 75, its Superior Officers Association and the police Administration have joined forces to "raise public awareness about breast cancer, the importance of early detection and vital support services available to women diagnosed with the disease."
"Every police officer in our department has family members, friends, neighbors, or simply knows someone touched by this pervasive form of cancer," said PBA President Michael Schwarz. "If our slightly off-beat, unorthodox approach helps just one woman with early detection, encourages her to see a doctor and receive early, life-saving treatment -- it's mission accomplished."
Though they will be worn underneath, the collars of the pink shirts will still be visible, popping out of the V-necks of the officers' uniforms.
The pink shirts sport the Edison PBA logo with the back of the shift reading: "Edison Police Department / Fighting More Than Crime." The "I" in the word "Crime" is replaced by a pink ribbon.
"This will be a subtle visual message, but one we hope encourages our residents to start a dialogue with officers about combating breast cancer," said Police Chief Thomas Bryan.
Bryan's wife, Dawn, is a breast cancer survivor.
All Edison police vehicles will have pamphlets on the importance of early detection, breast cancer treatments, and locally available support services, according to the township.
"This literature will be at our officers' fingertips so they can better inform the public," said Bryan.
Deputy Police Chief Ronald Mieczkowski, whose wife, Sandra, 44, died from breast cancer in 2008, said, "It is an understatement to say how proud and grateful I am to the men and women in our department who created and are participating in this month-long initiative.
His son, Matthew, who is also an Edison patrolman, will be among those wearing the pink T-shirts, Mieczkowski added.
"Efforts like this - that educate and inform our residents - clearly demonstrate that Edison's police officers are engaged and involved with the people they serve," said Mayor Thomas Lankey. "This is really what community policing is all about."
The pink T-shirts will be sold to the officers for $10. PBA Local 75 will also make the shirts available to the public on its website, www.edisonpba.com.
Member's of the public will be able to purchase them on Saturday, Oct. 8, at the VFW Nam Knights' annual barbecue at Edison Senior Park & Pavilion, on Woodbridge Avenue.
The proceeds will be donated to breast cancer research.
Spencer Kent may be reached at skent@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @SpencerMKent. Find the Find NJ.com on Facebook.