Wichita police officers debut pink badges for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Headline: Special Weather Statement until MON 4:00 PM CDT

Bulletin: ...SPECIAL FIRE WEATHER STATEMENT...

* AFFECTED AREA... Yuma, Kit Carson, Cheyenne KS and Dundy

counties.

* TIMING... 9 AM MDT to 4 PM MDT (10 AM MDT to 5 PM CDT). Duration

of strong winds and low humidities together expected to be 1 to

2 hours.

* WINDS... West southwesterly 15 to 30 mph in the morning,

decreasing through the afternoon.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY... Falling to 10 to 15 percent in the

afternoon.

* TEMPERATURES... Lower to mid 80s.

* FUELS... Fuels will promote fire spread if fires were to

develop.

* FIRE DANGER...Lowest humidities will overlap with stronger

winds for an hour or two this afternoon. While not expected to

be widespread or persistent, these conditions could make

controlling any fire difficult.

Outdoor burning and activities that cause open sparks or flames

are discouraged. Fire and emergency officials should be aware that

weather conditions will be favorable for the development of grass

and crop fires.

Wichita police officers are wearing pink badges throughout October in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The initiative gives officers a new way to show support for people in the community affected by the disease.

WICHITA, Kan. (KAKE) – Wichita police officers are wearing pink badges throughout October in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The initiative gives officers a new way to show support for people in the community affected by the disease.

This is the first year the Wichita Police Department is participating in the initiative, allowing officers to choose a pink badge for the month.

Officer Anthony Soto with the department’s Patrol West Community Policing unit said the decision to participate was personal because members of his family have been affected by breast cancer.

“The decision came easy just because I have family members that have been affected by breast cancer, and not only do I want to support them, but other people in the community,” Soto said.

Soto said the pink badge can also serve as a symbol of hope for people facing a diagnosis. He recalled meeting a woman while investigating a serious crime who shared that she had recently been diagnosed with breast cancer.

The department said the badges represent its support for those fighting breast cancer, survivors and people who have lost their lives to the disease.

“This is a symbol of our unwavering support for the fighters, our celebration of the survivors, and our remembrance of those we have lost. When you see our officers out in the community this month, know that we stand with you,” the department said.

Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among adults in Kansas. The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 300,000 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2026.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment says regular screening and prompt diagnosis can reduce illness and death from breast cancer.

Kansas residents may be eligible for free breast cancer screenings through the Early Detection Works program. To learn more about eligibility, call 877-277-1368.