Orem police and fire departments sporting touch of pink


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OREM — Pink is the color of the month in October, when people show their support for those battling breast cancer, and those working to find a cure.

In Orem, police officers and firefighters are showing their colors as a way to get the whole community involved.

"They're very happy to see we're supporting the cause," said Orem police officer Brian Luangsawasdi, referring to the residents of his city. "We try to get into the community as much as we can and help raise awareness. So, this is our way of doing that."

Luangsawasdi and his fellow officers will wear a pink T-shirt and carry a pink pen all month to spread the breast cancer awareness message.


We try to get into the community as much as we can and help raise awareness. So, (the pink T-shirts and pen) is our way of doing that.

–Officer Brian Luangsawasdi, Orem PD


"I like bringing that positive interaction and positive awareness, and getting it out there," he said.

The fire department is in on it, too.

"The guys, I think, initially were like, 'We're going to wear pink?'" said Angela Kohl, an engineer-paramedic with the Orem Fire Department.

But Kohl said the show of support has started a community conversation.

"We get the public coming up to us daily telling us their story, telling us 'Thank you,' 'Kudos to you,' 'Where can I get a pink T-shirt?'" she said.

So, firefighters are selling the T-shirts out of their firetrucks when they finish up on scene. Five days into October, and they've already sold about 100 shirts.

Orem firefighters are selling their pink breast cancer awareness T-shirts out of their firetrucks to anyone who wants one. (Photo: Mike DeBernardo/KSL-TV)
Orem firefighters are selling their pink breast cancer awareness T-shirts out of their firetrucks to anyone who wants one. (Photo: Mike DeBernardo/KSL-TV)

The executive director of Susan G. Komen Utah said the community conversation makes women more aware of the importance of breast cancer screenings.

In Utah, that can be a real benefit. Our state has some of the the lowest mammography rates in the nation, and early detection saves lives.

"You're not only helping to raise awareness of breast cancer, but you're also doing a good thing for the community," Luangsawasdi said.

The Orem Fire Department is also holding a breast cancer fundraiser as part of its Fire Prevention Open House Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Station No. 3, 255 N. 1200 West. The proceeds from that and the T-shirt sales will go to a local breast cancer survivors group.

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Jed Boal

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