Nahant Police Department, Fire Department Raise $9,000 to Support Susan G. Komen Foundation
NAHANT – Police Chief Timothy Furlong and Fire Chief Austin Antrim are proud to announce that their Departments raised $9,000 to support breast cancer research in October, thanks to the generosity of residents of the Town of Nahant.
The Police Department held its annual “pink patch” drive during October, during which officers wore special patches designed to raise awareness about breast cancer and the need to find a cure. Patches were available for sale.
“This is personal to me, because my mother-in-law has been diagnosed with breast cancer,” Chief Furlong said. “It has been amazing to see the community respond, and to see the number of residents who stopped at the station to buy a patch and support this cause.”
To enhance its fundraising, the Police Department then challenged the Fire Department to a charity softball game. The Fire Department team won a spirited, friendly contest at Lowlands Park which attracted several hundred residents. Proceeds from the game, including sale of food and pink t-shirts, pushed the fundraising total to $9,000.
“Everyone knows someone who is battling breast cancer, or someone who has a loved one affected by it,” Chief Antrim said. “When the Police Department contacted us, there was no question we would be part of this effort.”
The donation will support the Susan G. Komen Foundation, whose programs include supporting breast cancer research; assisting patients, their families, and their caregivers during treatment; and lobbying on Capitol Hill.
The Foundation estimates that in the United States in 2021 there will be:
- 281,550 new cases of invasive breast cancer
- 49,290 new cases of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), a non-invasive breast cancer
- 43,600 breast cancer deaths
“We raised about $3 for every resident in Town, which is incredible,” Police Sgt. Matthew Morneau said. “We are happy that so many people came to the game, saw another side of the Police and Fire Departments, and helped such an important cause.”
Chief Furlong presented the check to Melissa MacNeil, Development Director for the Foundation’s Massachusetts affiliate, at a ceremony in Town Hall on Wednesday, Nov. 10. Sgt. Morneau presented MacNeil with the Police Department’s commemorative “pink patch.”
“From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your contribution, and for getting so many in your community so involved,” MacNeil said.
The two Departments are discussing a softball rematch in the spring, with proceeds to benefit a charity of the Fire Department’s choosing.