Dixie State University Police Department’s commitment to the safety and security of others reaches far beyond DSU’s campus community. The seven-member team – plus 12 reserve officers – also cares about the well-being of the broader community, which is evident in their newly-launched Police Patch Program to raise funds for special causes.
“Our community-oriented policing efforts led us to want to demonstrate our support and commitment to groups in our community who face trials while also celebrating the strength, determination, and success of our community members through a patch program,” said DSU’s Chief of Police, Blair Barfuss. “We not only get to wear a patch showing our support, but through patch sales we are directly able to provide financial assistance to those in need of help or services.”
Anyone interested in supporting this project can join DSUPD in a show of solidarity and purchase patches to help make a difference throughout the community. Patches cost $8 each and net proceeds will go to a related charity. Available patches and recipient agencies include:
- Autism Awareness – DSU’s Disability Resource Center
- Breast Cancer Awareness – Intermountain Healthcare Cancer Center
- Domestic Violence Awareness – DOVE Center
- Sexual Assault Awareness – Booth Wellness Center and the DOVE Center
- The Bison Head Patch – DSU Athletics
- Veterans Day/Independence Day/Memorial Day – DSU Veterans Club
Lindsey Boyer, executive director of the DOVE Center, said what struck her most about this opportunity is the support for increased awareness. “This shows we’re working together in our different capacities – as law enforcement and victim advocates – bringing all the necessary elements of the equation and demonstrating we’re all in this to support survivors.”
Boyer said Dove center numbers have increased about 20 percent yearly over the past several years. Last year, they served more than 1,000 victims in need of support.
“I’ve been really impressed with Dixie’s progress around this issue,” said Boyer. “It’s powerful – the symbol of the badge and law enforcement holding the microphone. It says a lot about the leadership on campus and also about our community.” Boyer added she’s been particularly impressed with Chief Barfuss and his leadership. “He’s already influenced change,” she said.
And Chief Barfuss promises this is only the beginning. “We are exploring additional patch project partnerships and will continue to look for ways to support groups within our community that meet the needs and mission of the University and the community we serve,” he said.
For more information, or to purchase a patch and support the causes of your choice, visit publicsafety.utahtech.edu/police-patch-project/.
