BETTENDORF, Iowa — Editor's Note: The video above relates to a previous fundraiser sponsored by Bettendorf police for breast cancer awareness.
Police officers in Bettendorf will have a colorful addition to their uniforms in April.
To mark World Autism Month, officers will don patches featuring an array of puzzle pieces. Davenport-based Code 4 Public Safety Emblems helped make the design, which is also available for purchase by community members. The pattern is a symbol used by autism awareness groups such as the Quad Cities Autism Center and Hand in Hand, both of whom are partnering with Bettendorf police on the patch project, and money raised from the patch sales will help benefit those organizations.
“100% of the funds we receive will go towards our Quad Cities Autism Center Grant Program,” Michelle Smyth, Quad Cities Autism Center Director said. “This program helps families in financial need afford research-based autism therapy. Out-of-pocket costs can be staggering and the Quad Cities Autism Center Grant Program makes it possible for many families every year to access the medically necessary treatment their child desperately needs.”
Patches are available for purchase online here, and the store will remain open until 11 p.m. on Sunday, March 31. In-person sales will be available at the Family Museum and the Bettendorf Public Library throughout the month of April.
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