GLOUCESTER — Chief John McCarthy is pleased to announce that members of the Gloucester Police Department will spend the rest of the year growing out their beards in support of prostate cancer research.
Since Oct. 1, and continuing through Jan. 1, Gloucester Police officers will be allowed to grow neatly trimmed beards and facial hair — normally prohibited under department policy — in exchange for a $100 donation to prostate cancer research. Women in the department will also join in the effort by dying a streak of their hair a different color.
Now in its fifth year, the Gloucester Police Department’s “Growing Hair Because We Care” donation drive will support the Dana Farber Cancer Institute’s prostate cancer research work. In past year, the drives have raised thousands of dollars for causes including breast cancer and pediatric cancer research, the Law Enforcement Torch Run and the Special Olympics.
“I’m so proud of our officers for continuing to enthusiastically support this tradition,” Chief McCarthy said. “Through this effort, the Gloucester Police Department has already made some great contributions to important causes, and we’re looking forward to once again supporting a lifesaving cause in a fun, noticeable way.”
Gloucester residents can also show their support for “Growing Hair Because We Care” by matching officers’ donations, and will be invited to participate in an online auction to win a chance to shave an officer at the end of the donation drive.
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