York County deputies get fuzzy for cancer awareness

The York County Sheriff’s Office raised more than $2,600 for cancer research in November simply by refusing to pick up a razor.

More than 100 employees took part in “No-Shave November,” an annual event that involves growing facial hair during the month to raise awareness of men’s health issues.

Sheriff Bruce Bryant allowed deputies, detention officers and other personnel to participate by donating $20, which let them bypass the agency’s policy on facial hair grooming for the month. The money raised went to the York County chapter of the American Cancer Society, which on Monday accepted a check for $2,620 from the Sheriff’s Office.

“There’s very few families in America that, somewhere along the line, they haven’t been affected by cancer,” Bryant said. “Everybody you talk to has been affected by cancer.”

Bryant said he was skeptical of the idea at first, and that it was not only well received by the public but a morale booster in the agency.

“We don’t look like Duck Dynasty, that’s for sure,” he said with a laugh. “It’d probably take three or four more months.”

Carrie Klamut, health systems manager for the American Cancer Society, said part of the money will help fund the county’s Road to Recovery program, which provides free transportation to treatment for cancer patients.

“It’s exciting to know that eight out of 10 times somebody is requesting a ride, we’re able to deliver on it,” Klamut said.

The No-Shave November website encourages participants – both men and women – to participate and donate money to a cancer-related cause. The York County Sheriff’s Office allowed female employees to participate by wearing pink shirts under their uniforms instead of the black shirts they normally wear.

By Tuesday, all employees have to be clean-shaven again, and they’ll decide which employee had the best beard.

Bryant said his staff is considering taking part in the initiative again next year.

This story was originally published November 30, 2015 at 6:35 PM with the headline "York County deputies get fuzzy for cancer awareness."