Simi Valley Police Department is home to many heroes, including breast cancer survivors and the breast cancer supporters fighting right alongside them. Two of these heroes are K9 Officer Vince Allegra and Dispatch Supervisor Erin Cooper.
K9 Officer Allegra is representing our department in American Cancer Society’s Real Men Wear Pink Campaign, a distinguished group of community leaders who raise awareness by wearing pink during the month of October and pledging to raise money to support the fight against breast cancer. K9 Officer Allegra is a 25-year veteran Police Officer in Ventura County and a local High School Soccer coach. K9 Officer Allegra said, “All of us have been affected by cancer in one way or another. My family, my players, coworkers, and friends are no exception.” He joined the Real Men Wear Pink campaign with the goal to raise as much as he can to help not only with research to find a cure, but also to provide assistance to families who are fighting right alongside their loved ones during treatment.
Last year Simi Valley Police Department’s Dispatch Supervisor Erin Cooper was diagnosed with breast cancer at 25 years old and 8 months pregnant. Erin has worked for SVPD as a 9-1-1 Dispatcher for the past 7 years and thinks of SVPD as her family. She is thankful to her peers and community members who came together to donate baby formula and diapers and bring Erin and her family meals during her battle. With love, encouragement, and support, Erin was able to defeat her cancer and is now back to work. She never takes any moment for granted and enjoys every second she gets to spend with her 18-month old daughter and her husband. Erin was honored to work on designing this year's Pink Patch and be able to give back to those who helped her during the most difficult time of her life.
SVPD is proud to have our Officers and support staff wearing our pink patches and T-shirts to raise awareness and show support for Breast Cancer Awareness month. We hope you join us in supporting those currently fighting this battle by donating to cancer research or by purchasing a Pink Patch.
Pink Patches are available for purchase in person Tuesday to Friday from 9:00am to 4:00pm. Cash only and exact change please. Call 805-583-6917 with questions. All proceeds donated to the American Cancer Society.
Prepared by: Rachel Myers
Approved by:
Commander Steve Shorts
Public Relations Bureau
Media Contact: (805) 501-3070
###
