"If you have been around Fulton lately, you may have noticed the (Fulton) officers are getting a little fuzzy," Fulton police officer Adam Cramer said in a news release from the police department to describe officers' facial hair.
Fulton Police Chief Steve Myers told everyone in the council chambers at last night's council meeting that the police department is participating in its first No-Shave November. He said that Cramer approached him about the idea about a month ago.
"He asked if we could because we do have a policy against beards, if he could for the month of November (and) the department could, for a nominal fee of $20, each officer could grow their beard out to recognize men's cancer month," Myers said.
However, officers can't let their beards grow too long, as Myers said one of the stipulations is that officers must keep their beards neatly trimmed.
Myers told Cramer to find a good foundation to donate the money to, and he did, Myers said.
Cramer organized the department-wide participation for No-Shave November, and said the department decided to donate to the Vincent P. Gurucharri, MD Foundation, Inc. because of its local efforts in helping cancer patients.
The foundation, located in Columbia, provides financial aid to patients undergoing cancer treatment.
Dr. Vincent P. Gurucharri's family started the foundation in 2006, shortly after the Boone County surgeon lost a two-year battle with a rare cancer called myelodysplastic syndrome in 2003. The foundation seeks to preserve Gurucharri's legacy.
Donations help cover patients' medical expenses, services and equipment; dental care and transportation.
"Many times when people are going through those treatments, they can't work, so this foundation assists them until they can get back on their feet and work again," Myers said.
Patients living in Callaway, Boone, Audrain, Cole, Cooper, Howard, Moniteau and Randolph Counties are eligible for financial assistance through the foundation if no financial resources are available for their cancer treatment.
"They have assisted people in Callaway County, so we thought that was a good way that we could give something back to the people of Callaway County, as well as other counties," Myers said.
The department has raised about $200 as of Nov. 10, Myers told the council and meeting attendees.
The Fulton Police Department will be raising funds during the month of November and requests anyone who would like to help the cause to contact the department or the Vincent P. Gurucharri, MD Foundation, Inc.