WESTPORT — To help spread the message of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month during October, the town seal on Westport police cars is changing color from black and gold to pink.

Pink is the theme color of the October-long observance of the American Cancer Society’s annual campaign to raise awareness about the disease — and to raise money to combat it.

In addition to pink insignias on patrol cars, many Westport officers will participate in the “Pink Patch Project,” showing their support by wearing pink patches on their uniforms during October, according to a statement from the department. 

Officers are also authorized to wear a pink ribbon pin as another way to boost awareness of the campaign.

Police Chief Foti Koskinas, according to the statement, said Breast Cancer Awareness Month is important for the department because many officers have seen a relative or friend afflicted by the disease.

“As I say every year, we can all make a difference in this fight. Ask someone you love to get a mammogram, and encourage your family, friends, community and local organizations to spread the word,” Koskinas said.

For more information about breast cancer and screenings, as well as to make donations to the American Cancer Society, visit here.