Dakota County Police Departments Join Forces for Pink Patch Project to Support Breast Cancer Awareness
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA – This October, several Dakota County police departments are teaming up once again to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research through the nationwide Pink Patch Project. Departments from Apple Valley, Burnsville, Lakeville, Rosemount, Farmington, and West St. Paul are all participating, offering unique commemorative items and community events to support the cause.
The Origins of the Pink Patch Project
The Pink Patch Project began in 2013 in California when the Seal Beach Police Department wore a pink version of their uniform patch during Breast Cancer Awareness Month to raise awareness. In 2015, the Irwindale Police Department expanded the effort by selling their pink patches to the public, raising more than $20,000 for City of Hope.
Since then, the campaign has grown worldwide, with nearly 1,000 EMS agencies now participating. In Minnesota, the Rosemount Police Department became the first agency to join in 2017. Since that time, more than 50 Minnesota agencies have joined the initiative, collectively raising over $330,000 for cancer organizations through 2024.
Learn more at www.pinkpatchproject.com and https://minnesotapinkpatchproject.com/.
Rosemount Police Department
4th Annual Pink Patch Collector’s Show
Saturday, October 18 | ⏰ 9 a.m. – noon
Attendees will have a chance to browse and purchase patches, collectibles, and check out Rosemount’s brand-new commemorative pink patch challenge coin.New Items for 2025
Rosemount PD has released three new items this year: two tumblers and a brand-new pink patch, available at the police department’s front desk during regular business hours. Favorites from past years will also be available.
Since 2017, the Rosemount Police Department has proudly donated over $31,000 to the American Cancer Society through this project.
Burnsville Police Department
Available items include:
$5 each: small patch, sticker
$10 each: large patch
$50 each: engraved pink Owala water bottle (pickup only)
Purchases can be made:
In-person at the police department lobby, Mon–Fri, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. (cash, check, or Venmo accepted).
Online via Venmo @BurnsvillePDPinkPatch (include item(s), your name, and shipping address in the notes; add $3 shipping for up to 3 patches/stickers).
Lakeville Police Department
Available at the PD front desk, during regular business hours.
Cost: $10 each (cash or Venmo accepted)
Farmington Police Department
This year, Beans & Boots Coffee (408 3rd St., Farmington) has partnered with the Farmington Police Department to launch a special Pink Patch Drink.
Available items include:
$5 each: small patch
$10 each: large patch
$25 Baseball Hat
$20 Beanie
Pre-order stanley tublers - must be paid in advance
All inquiries & pre-orders: FPDPinkPatch@FarmingtonMN.gov
Apple Valley Police Department
Apple Valley Police are offering both patches and commemorative coins this October:
Pink Patch — $10
Challenge Coin — $15
🏢 Purchase at the Police Department lobby during regular hours
💵 Cash or Venmo accepted
West St. Paul Police Department
West St. Paul officers are bringing back their #PinkPatch uniforms this October with a special new twist.
Throwback Patch — For $10, supporters can purchase a replica of the very first patch ever worn at the West St. Paul Police Department.
$10 Pint Glass
$20 Tumbler with Straw
$5 Fire Patch
Available at the police department during business hours.
Cash and credit cards accepted
How You Can Get Involved
Community members are encouraged to visit their local police department, attend upcoming events, or shop the special Pink Patch items to show support. Every purchase helps fund cancer research and patient support programs through the American Cancer Society.
For more information on the project and participating agencies across Minnesota, visit: www.minnesotapinkpatchproject.com
Throughout October, the Farmington Police Department is once again participating in the Pink Patch Project, a nationwide initiative that raises awareness and funds for cancer research. A special pink version of the department’s patch, along with other memorabilia, is available for purchase through October 31. Items include regular patches ($10), mini patches ($5), beanies ($20), and baseball caps ($25).
Purchases can be made at the Farmington Police Department lobby, 19500 Municipal Drive, Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Proceeds will benefit the American Cancer Society.
“It’s important to note that each officer sporting a pink patch purchased it themselves,” said Sgt. Chris Lutz. “We are proud to wear them in support of the American Cancer Society.”
Beans & Boots Coffee Partners with Farmington Police
In addition to the patches, Beans & Boots Coffee, located at 408 3rd Street in downtown Farmington, has teamed up with the Police Department to raise awareness. Throughout the month of October, the coffee shop is offering a special Pink Patch Drink, with all proceeds going directly to the Farmington Police Department Pink Patch Fund.
“October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month! We have partnered with the Farmington Police Department to bring you this yummy pink drink! Stop in, grab a drink, and help spread awareness💕,” the shop announced. The drink will be available from October 1–31.
At the end of the campaign, proceeds from both the memorabilia sales and the Pink Patch Drink fundraiser will be presented to the American Cancer Society.
Image Credit: Beans & Boots Coffee.
Learn to Skate Expands at Schmitz-Maki Arena
The Farmington Parks and Recreation Department is continuing its Learn to Skate program this fall at Schmitz-Maki Arena, beginning Saturday, October 11. The eight-week program, based on the Learn to Skate USA curriculum, offers classes for all ages and abilities, from Snowplow (ages 3–5) through advanced figure skating and hockey.
Newer offerings include Ice Explorers, which combines on-ice and off-ice instruction, and Adaptive Skating, designed for skaters with disabilities. Costs range from $80 for Ice Explorers to $165 for Parent/Child and Private Lessons.
“We are excited that our expanded program is meeting the needs of the community,” said Skate School Director Molly Burmeister
Registration is available online at Webtrac.FarmingtonMN.gov. If you have any questions regarding the program, you can contact Molly Burmeister via email at: MBurmeister@FarmingtonMN.gov.
Turkey Bingo Returns November 8
The Farmington Fire Department and Farmington Firefighters Relief Association (FFRA) will host their annual Turkey Bingo fundraiser on Saturday, November 8, at Fire Station 1 (21625 Denmark Ave.). Doors open at 4:30 p.m., and games begin at 6 p.m.
The event will feature 30 regular bingo games and six coveralls, with cash prizes ranging up to $500. A new addition this year is a 50/50 cash raffle, limited to 500 tickets at $5 each.
Over the past two years, the FFRA has donated more than $50,000 to support the purchase of firefighter training equipment. Sponsorships and reserved tables for groups of eight are available.
“We hope you will join us for plenty of bingo games, door prizes, raffles, and our famous turkey sandwiches!” organizers said.
Pumpkin Recycling Weekend
Residents can take part in the city’s Free Pumpkin Collection Weekend following Halloween. Drop-off bins will be available near the Municipal Maintenance Facility on Municipal Drive from Saturday, November 1, through Sunday, November 2.
Pumpkins must be free of paint, wax, or inorganic materials. All collected pumpkins will be composted into soil amendment.
Fall Hydrant Flushing
The Public Works Department will begin its bi-annual hydrant flushing on Monday, October 6, running weekdays through Friday, October 17.
Flushing helps clear naturally occurring minerals from city water lines and ensures reliable operation of the water system. Residents may notice temporary water discoloration or pressure changes, which can be resolved by running outside or utility faucets until the water clears.
Officials remind residents to check water clarity before doing laundry. More details are available at FarmingtonMN.gov/Hydrant.
Community Engagement
From skating lessons to fundraising bingo, Farmington leaders encourage residents to participate in these events as a way to stay active, support local causes, and connect with neighbors.
For more information about upcoming programs and events, visit FarmingtonMN.gov.
Written by: Will Wight
Images provided by the City of Farmington.
