Members of the Waukee Police and Fire Departments are looking a little less clean-shaven these days as they participate in an initiative similar to “No-Shave November”. Waukee Police Chief John Quinn and Fire Chief Clint Robinson gave their blessing for department members to donate money to the American Diabetes Association and opt out of shaving during November. Typically, all facial hair with the exception of mustaches is prohibited as part of the dress code.
No-Shave November is a non-profit organization and movement geared toward spreading cancer awareness by forgoing shaving for a whole month. Following in the footsteps of this idea, members of the Waukee Police Department chose to skip shaving this November to benefit the American Diabetes Association. While cancer awareness is important, they decided to tackle diabetes instead, as it hits closer to home for the department.
“Our two-year-old son was recently diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes,” said Waukee Police Evidence Technician Kari Olsen. “I feel very grateful to work with these great people who genuinely want to help raise awareness for this disease and improve the lives of those affected by Type 1 Diabetes.”
This is the first time shaving for Waukee Police and Fire personnel has ever been optional. Nearly a dozen police officers and five firefighters are participating. Many others are donating, but still shaving.
“We are all like a family here at the PD,” said Waukee Police Lieutenant Scott Cunningham. “Knowing that our participation in this no-shave initiative is benefitting one of our own makes it all the more fulfilling.”
The American Diabetes Association provides critical diabetes research and support education, advocacy and awareness programs that improve the lives of people with diabetes. More information can be found at Diabetes.org.