West Chester police let (facial) hair down for good cause

The West Chester Police Department is letting its (facial) hair down this month for a good cause.

Police Chief Joel Herzog decided to relax the department’s policies on mustaches, beards and goatees so that officers could participate in a “No Shave November” initiative benefiting a local non-profit.

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“Traditionally, the idea of not shaving in November has been to bring awareness to cancer patients and men’s health, in general. Since I feel that discussion takes place regularly in our work place, I have chosen to utilize this opportunity to benefit our community,” Herzog said in a statement.

In exchange for their stubble, each officer who forgoes shaving is asked to make a monetary contribution to PARACHUTE: Butler County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate).

The organization, which was formed in 1988, is made up of community volunteers that are trained to assist abused children who are under the protective supervision of the justice system.

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The West Chester Police Department’s “No Shave November” initiative is designed to both raise money for PARACHUTE while raising public awareness for the organization’s cause and its need for adult volunteers, Herzog said.

All officers, not just those who chose to grow facial hair, were encouraged to give back. So far, West Chester Police officers have raised more than $2,500 for PARACHUTE, according to the township.

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