Fort Greene looked more like Fort Pink on Sunday, when local police officers and residents marched through the streets to raise awareness for breast cancer.
Members of New York’s Finest — many on their days off — led a procession of around 50 local residents wearing pink and holding balloons of the same color from the precinct house at Classon and DeKalb avenues in Clinton Hill to Fort Greene Park, and organizers said it was a great way for officers and civilians to join forces for an issue that effect the entire community.
“Everyone had a good time,” said Officer Varlos Braithwaite, a community affairs officer at the 88th Precinct. “It was nice to see the community and police department working together for a great cause.”
At the park, authorities grilled up a free barbecue, handed out information about breast cancer and domestic violence to passers-by, and set up a rock-climbing wall for kids, Braithwaite said.
Other local groups also did their part to make the day a success — dancers from nearby Medgar Evers College performed a tribute to cancer survivors and the Washington Park Block Association tied pink ribbons to trees.
The event was part of a broader effort by police around the city to do their part for Breast Cancer Awareness month. Some precincts have decked their stations, squad cars, and uniforms out in pink.
Officers at the 88th Precinct have been collecting funds for the American Cancer Society, but said they also wanted to do something that really got the community involved.
And the idea was such a success, they’re already planning another walk next October.
“We’re going to do it bigger for next year,” said Officer Andrene Sargeant.
