Madison Police Fleet Latest to 'Tie One On'

Madison police vehicles are sporting pink ribbons this October as part of a local breast cancer awareness campaign.

The ribbons are the latest show of support for "Tie One On." Now in its seventh year, the effort was started by a group of friends in Madison when three women in the group were diagnosed with breast cancer around the same time. One of the friends, Christine Massaro, died from the disease.

Tie One On sells a different themed ribbon and other items each year to raise awareness about the disease, and to raise money for the North Jersey affiliate of Susan G. Komen, which works to combat breast cancer. Tie One On raised $700 its first year, and has raised more than $10,000 a year in recent years.

Businesses, students and sports teams in Madison have embraced the cause, and the pink ribbons from Madison have been spotted in nearby towns and on the cars of supporters in other states.

On Thursday, three members of "Tie One On"—Gretchen Coviello, Susanne von der Linde and Andrea Waresk—tied ribbons on Madison's police fleet.

Madison PBA Local No. 92 made a donation to Susan G. Komen, and Jennifer Griola, executive director for Susan G. Komen for the Cure in North Jersey, was on hand for the occasion.

"It just shows the support of Madison," Coviello said.

Some police officers said their families have been affected by breast cancer.

"It's just our little part to raise awareness," Chief Darren Dachisen said.

Griola said donations from Tie One On have saved lives, such as by helping pay for thousands of mammograms in New Jersey that were funded by Komen last year.

For more information about Tie One On visit the group's Facebook page.