Photos by Caitlin Cunningham

The Boston College Police Department has raised more than $10,000 for the Welles Remy Crowther Charitable Trust through its new Red Bandana Police Patch Project.

BCPD is selling commemorative patches designed with a red bandana background to pay tribute to Welles Crowther ‘99, a former BC lacrosse player who used his signature red bandana as a protective mask while saving as many as 18 lives before losing his own in the 9/11 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center. His heroic story was the subject of The Man in the Red Bandana by ESPN’s Tom Rinaldi and an award-winning documentary.

The patches can be ordered online through the Boston College Bookstore or in person at the BCPD headquarters in Maloney Hall for $10 each with a limit of two patches per person. During October, Boston College police officers are authorized to display the patch on their uniforms.

BC police cruise with red bandana logo

This year, police cruiser 419 will also sport a red bandana design in support of Crowther, whose jersey number was 19.

The proceeds from this project go directly to the Welles Remy Crowther Charitable Trust, established in 2001 by the Crowther family to honor their son and keep his memory alive. The trust presents scholarships and awards to young men and women of academic and athletic excellence who serve their communities through education, health, recreation, and character development. The trust also supports other not-for-profit organizations with similar missions.

On October 22, the 18th annual Red Bandanna 5k will take place on campus and virtually in support of the trust. All runners will receive a red bandana.

Christine Balquist | University Communications | October 2022