Orange Beach Police Roll Out a Pink Patrol Car for Breast Cancer Awareness Month — and Invite Survivors to Sign It

ORANGE BEACH, Ala. — Residents and visitors in Orange Beach may notice something different about the city’s police department this month. In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Orange Beach police officers are wearing pink, and the department has rolled out a pink patrol vehicle that will travel throughout the community during October.

The department says the campaign is meant to stand with survivors, support those who are currently fighting the disease, and honor everyone who has been affected by breast cancer.

Survivors Invited to Sign the Pink Patrol Car

The centerpiece of the effort is an invitation to breast cancer survivors. Survivors are welcome to visit the Orange Beach Police Department lobby and sign the pink patrol vehicle. Each signature will ride along with officers for the rest of the month as a symbol of hope, strength and community.

The idea turns the patrol car into a rolling tribute: as officers make their rounds across Orange Beach in October, they will carry with them the names of local survivors who chose to add their signatures.

Residents and visitors who spot the pink patrol car around town are encouraged to give officers a wave to help spread awareness throughout the city. As the department put it, “Together, the community stays stronger and brighter.”

Why Pink?

The color pink has become the nationwide symbol of breast cancer awareness, but that association is relatively recent. Pink was adopted as the symbol of the cause in the early 1990s, chosen for its strong associations with femininity, compassion, care and hope.

Its widespread adoption gained major momentum in 1992 through a national campaign co-created by cosmetics executive Evelyn Lauder, which distributed pink ribbons as a universal emblem of support, strength and advocacy for people affected by breast cancer. In the decades since, the pink ribbon has become one of the most recognizable awareness symbols in the world, appearing on everything from clothing to sports uniforms — and, in Orange Beach this month, on a police cruiser.

Early Detection Saves Lives

Beyond the symbolism, the campaign is a reminder of the importance of regular screening. Routine mammograms are critical because they can detect breast cancer early — often before any symptoms can be felt. Detecting the disease early greatly improves treatment options and survival rates.

Women who have questions about when to begin screening or how often to be screened are encouraged to talk with their health care provider, who can make recommendations based on age, family history and other risk factors.

Where to Get Screened in Baldwin County

Women across Orange Beach and Baldwin County have access to several local options for breast cancer screening and imaging, including:

• Baldwin Health, which offers 3D mammography in Gulf Shores and Foley
• Infirmary Health, which provides breast imaging services
• The Baldwin County Health Department, which offers health services to residents

Free Screenings for Eligible Women

Cost should not be a barrier to screening. Eligible uninsured or underinsured women can access free breast cancer screenings through the Alabama Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (ABCCEDP). The program is designed to help women who might otherwise go without screening get access to the care they need. Women who think they may qualify can contact their local health department for information about eligibility and enrollment.

Community Policing With a Purpose

Awareness campaigns like this one offer police departments a different way to connect with the communities they serve. A pink patrol car invites conversation, a wave or a smile, and it gives officers an opportunity to show support for neighbors facing one of the most common cancers among women.

For survivors, signing the car offers a chance to be seen and celebrated. For those still in treatment, and for families who have lost loved ones, the pink cruiser serves as a visible reminder that the community stands with them.

How to Participate

• Survivors: Visit the Orange Beach Police Department lobby during October to sign the pink patrol vehicle.
• Residents and visitors: Wave to officers when you see the pink patrol car around town to help spread awareness.
• Everyone: Talk with your health care provider about breast cancer screening, and share information about free screening through the ABCCEDP with women who may qualify.

Throughout October, the pink patrol car will be a moving reminder across Orange Beach that early detection matters and that no one facing breast cancer has to face it alone.