Teal badges raise awareness of SAAPM

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md.-To raise awareness of Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, APG police and security personnel are wearing teal badges in April.

These badges were distributed during a ceremony at the police station, building 2200 on March 26. APG Senior Commander Maj. Gen. Mitchell Kilgo and installation senior enlisted advisor Command Sgt. Maj. Kristie Brady and Director of Operations Bruce Griggs were in attendance.

Garrison Victim Advocate Amber Holdford thanked APG leadership and DOO personnel for their continued support of the Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention program.

“To all APG police and security, you choose to serve our community daily and often do not get a thank you; I want to say that now,” she said. “So to you who choose to serve each victim of sexual assault, you have my unwavering and deepest appreciation.”

Holdford said the badges were developed in 2019 when she was serving in the garrison as a detective. The ceremony was delayed a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Often as first responders we make the first contact with a sexual assault victim,” she said. “At the time, I was looking for a way to connect with the public. I am hoping that by wearing these badges, it will instill in the community we serve that the APG Police and Security are standing with them and will support them.”

APG Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Ruth Drewitt said prevention begins with us. She challenged attendees to stay motivated to keep each other safe and intervene to prevent sexual assault when necessary.

“We are all Army Strong when we all act together,” she said.

APG Garrison Commander Col. Timothy Druell encouraged first responders to tell the community the significance of the teal badges. He presented the badges to Chief of Police Joel Holdford and Security Officer Lt. Joe Williams.

Chief Holdford said by definition, Army SHARP professionals are Good Samaritans, individuals who are standing by ready to help and support those in need.

“The teal badges are meant to openly show the close relationship between our professions, and we are honored to wear them,” he said. “We also hope that in some small way this will bring awareness to this issue and assist our SHARP allies in trying to reduce and stop all sexual harassment and assault.”

Chief Holdford distributed badges to Security Officer Cpl. Cedric McDaniel and Police Officers Sgt. Timothy Knight, Cpl. John Fitch and Jeremey Rondone.

More than 200 DOO personnel will wear the teal badges in April, Griggs said.

For more information 

This year’s U.S. Army SAAPM theme is “Building Cohesive Teams through Character Trust and Resilience. Protecting Our People Protects Our Mission.” For more information about the program, contact your local SHARP representative. For emergencies or to file a report, you can contact the 24-7 Sexual Assault Response Hotline at 410-322-7154.