The Johnstown Police Department is painting the town pink this month, inviting residents and supporters throughout the region to participate in a deeply personal new tradition.
“I wanted to come up with an out-of-the-box idea for Breast Cancer Awareness Month where people could truly take part,” PBA President Heather Graves said. “Our patrol cars are out in the neighborhood 24/7. This turns them into a rolling billboard that raises awareness, recognizes the fight and shows policing in a positive, supportive light.”
The “Pink Up Patrol” initiative was brought forward by Officer Graves, allowing community members to purchase a pink ribbon magnet for $5, personalize it with the name of a loved one and place it on a city police cruiser. Recognizing a powerful opportunity to connect the effort to local schools, Johnstown School Resource Officer (SRO) Kerri Earley has teamed up with Officer Graves to champion the project, get the word out and rally students and staff.
Officer Graves has faced the devastating toll of the disease firsthand, having lost her grandmother to breast cancer when she was just 18 years old. Nine months later, her aunt was diagnosed but thankfully beat it. Within the last five years, both her boyfriend’s mother and aunt were diagnosed and are now proud survivors.
Chief Gilbo’s wife is also a breast cancer survivor. To recognize her and all survivors, Chief Gilbo has worn a pink badge every October for years. Last year, his wife extended that tradition by gifting custom pink badges to all of Johnstown’s female officers, including Officer Graves and Officer Earley, who wear them proudly all month long.
As a familiar and trusted face in our schools, Officer Earley notes that “Pink Up the Patrol” is a natural extension of her mission as an SRO.
“A huge part of my job is bringing our schools and police department together so we’re working toward the same goal,” Earley said. “Seeing our staff and students rally behind this cause reinforces that trust. When students need help, they know they can come to me.”
“Our District is incredibly proud to stand alongside SRO Earley and Officer Graves for this beautiful initiative,” said Superintendent of Schools Alicia D. Koster. “This campaign does so much more than raise critical funds; it deepens the vital connection between our students, families and local law enforcement. When students see a patrol car outside our buildings covered in names they recognize, it sparks meaningful conversations and reminds them that our entire community is looking out for them.”
Community response has already been overwhelming. While Chief Gilbo initially predicted they might sell 100 ribbons all month, the community snapped up over 70 ribbons in just the first 24 hours.
Oct. 10: Personalize Your Ribbon at the Little League Pinkout Game
To make the campaign even more special, the entire fundraiser is coming together as a massive team effort on Saturday, Oct. 10, at Knox Middle School from 3 to 8 p.m.
It will be a full day of family-friendly activities and fundraising efforts, featuring concessions, basket raffles, merchandise, and a “Pinkout” game spearheaded by JPD’s own Sergeant Michael Pedrick, who serves as the Little Football League president and head coach, and Pinkout organizer Michelle Giardino, a breast cancer survivor whose son plays in the league.
A Johnstown police cruiser will be stationed at the game. Families and students can purchase a ribbon at the event, write a loved one’s name on it and place it directly on the vehicle. “It’s going to be like a mobile remembrance wall,” Officer Graves explained. “A place where people can honor those they’ve lost and celebrate survivors. It creates a meaningful tribute for families and friends alike.”
Keeping it local: Supporting To Life!
Every single dollar raised from the $5 magnets, Little League concessions, raffles and merchandise sales will stay within our region. The JPD PBA selected To Life!, an organization with a nearby office in Amsterdam. To Life! provides direct, tangible assistance to women fighting breast cancer across Fulton, Montgomery, Saratoga, and Rensselaer counties. Their services include support groups, wig fittings, hair-loss solutions and mastectomy fittings.
By combining the police PBA’s magnet sales with the Little League’s entire game-day revenue, Johnstown is maximizing resources for patients across Fulton and Montgomery counties.
Ribbon magnets are available for $5. They can be purchased through the Johnstown Police Department, patrol officers, or at Johnstown High School through SRO Kerri Earley. Payment options include cash, check or Venmo. Use the QR code to access Venmo and purchase a ribbon online.
