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Local police growing out mustaches and beards for No Shave November

Posted at 2:48 PM, Nov 08, 2019
and last updated 2019-11-08 22:10:15-05

No Shave November and Movember have grown into worldwide movements to increase awareness about men's health.

On the Central Coast, some police departments are participating.

Officers in the Paso Robles Police Department are taking part in memory of Daniel Bigelow, an officer who died in 2015 after a battle with prostate cancer.

The goal of No Shave November is to raise awareness for men's health issues, including prostate and testicular cancer, as well as suicide awareness.

Each officer pays $50 to grow out their mustache.

"DJ was not only a loved person here at the police department but in the community," said Commander Caleb Davis, Paso Robles Police Department. "He touched a lot of lives, he coached sports, he was a religious man and had a big impact on the community, so anything we can do to honor his name but also raise awareness for men's health."

For the second year in a row, the Santa Maria Police Department is also participating in a No Shave November fundraiser.

Officers who choose to participate each donate $50 and in turn are allowed to grow out their facial hair.

The SMPD Police Officers Association will match every dollar donated.

Last year, officers raised $7,100, which was all donated to the Mission Hope Cancer Center.

"I think it's something everyone can feel good about, it's a common cause that impacts people in so many different ways," said Commander Marc Schneider, Santa Maria Police Department.

At the end of the month, participants will be judged for "Best Overall Facial Hair."