WAUKEE — 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 approval for department members to donate money to the American Diabetes Association in exchange for opting out of shaving for the month.
Typically, all facial hair with the exception of mustaches is prohibited as part of the city’s public safety dress code.
No-Shave November is a non-profit organization spreading cancer awareness by forgoing shaving for a whole month. Varying this idea, members of the Waukee Police Department chose to let it grow this November to benefit the American Diabetes Association.
While cancer awareness is important, they decided to tackle diabetes instead because it hits closer to home for the department.
“Our two-year-old son was recently diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes,” said Waukee Police Department 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 has been made optional for Waukee Police and Fire personnel, and a dozen police officers and five firefighters are participating. Many others are making clean-shaven donations.
“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 supports education, advocacy and awareness programs that improve the lives of people with diabetes.
