For Immediate Release

Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2017

Media Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

“Growing Hair Because We Care” 

Gloucester Police Officers Grow Beards to Raise Money For Pediatric Cancer Research

GLOUCESTER — Interim 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 pediatric cancer research.

Since Oct. 1, and continuing through Dec. 30, 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 the Jimmy Fund and its efforts to combat childhood cancer.

Now in its fourth year, the Gloucester Police Department’s “Growing Hair Because We Care” donation drive raised $3,800 for breast cancer research in 2016, and in previous years raised money for the Law Enforcement Torch Run and the Special Olympics.

“This is a fun and visible way for us to show support for a great cause,” Chief McCarthy said. “I’m proud of the consistent enthusiasm that our officers and the community have shown for this program, and I’m looking forward to another successful fundraiser this year.”

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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