Officers from the Dalton Police Department will have a little extra layer of protection in the event of any early fall chill in the air thanks to a “No-Shave October” fundraiser. Officers who donate at least $25 will be allowed to grow their beards from Oct. 1-31. Funds raised will be donated to the department’s “Shop With A Cop” holiday effort for kids.
Current department policy only allows officers to sport a neatly trimmed mustache that doesn’t come below the upper lip. However, Chief Jason Parker agreed to suspend that rule and let officers grow the “Octobeard” to raise money to buy Christmas presents for children in need during the holiday season.
In December, officers will take kids selected by the Dalton Public Schools on a shopping trip to buy gifts.
“We know our community has quite a few underprivileged kids, and our officers have been busy planning for this year’s 'Shop With A Cop event,'” said Chief Parker, who already sports a well-manicured mustache. “We thought we could draw some extra attention toward the officers’ efforts by adding the no-shave concept to boost fundraising. It’s a worthy cause, and sometimes it helps to lighten the mood a little.”
The goal for “No Shave October” is to raise at least $1,200 for “Shop With A Cop.” Officers will be working to raise money beyond their $25 buy-in for their “Octobeard” privileges, with the officer raising the most money earning recognition from the command staff.
Officers growing out their “Octobeards” will still be required to keep them neatly trimmed and professional-looking, which "may be a challenge for some of the more grizzly among the officers."