MARION — Marion residents may notice a pink patch on the shoulders of the town’s police officers this month, and it’s for a reason.

The Marion Police Department is taking part in the Pink Patch Project throughout the month of October.

The Pink Patch Project is a public awareness campaign in partnership with more than 150 public safety agencies nationwide to increase education about the importance of early detection and prevention of breast cancer, as well as support patients and research organizations.

During October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, uniformed personnel are encouraged to replace their shoulder patch with the pink patch as a reminder to raise awareness among those they serve.

The Marion Police Brotherhood is also selling patches to the public to raise money for the Ellie Fund, which assistance to breast cancer patients residing in or receiving treatment in Massachusetts.

Patch purchases can be made at the Marion Police Department, 550 Mill St. Patches cost $10 and can be purchased with either cash or check. They can also be purchased through PayPal for $11 and sent by mail. The email address for PayPal is jhabicht@marionma.gov. Marion pink patches are also sold year-round.

“This is our third year participating in the Pink Patch Project and we are honored each year to be a part of this project to raise awareness within our community and donations for those fighting this disease,” said Officer Jonathan Tracy, president of the Marion Police Brotherhood. “We're proud to be supporting the Ellie Fund this year and encourage those in our community to purchase a patch in support of this important cause."