MOSES LAKE — If you happen to see a heavily-bearded Moses Lake Police Department officer around town near the end of November don’t be alarmed, as several officers from the department will be participating in “No Shave November” and pledging funds to benefit a local cancer organization.

Several MLPD members will start abandoning their shaving cream and razors on Wednesday. Officers who want to participate are going to pledge $100 if they want to grow a beard during November, with the funds going directly to the Columbia Basin Cancer Foundation, according to MLPD Chief Kevin Fuhr. The idea behind “No Shave November” is simple: shaving is outlawed for the entire month of November.

“I had an officer that contacted me about wanting to do this and as a former cancer survivor myself, and having participated in this program in my previous agency, I thought it was a good idea. It’s a great way to bring awareness to cancer. It’s a good time for the officers to talk to folks about cancer-related issues,” Fuhr explained.

The public can get involved by bringing donations to the Moses Lake Police Department, 411 S. Balsam St., or by going to the Columbia Basin Cancer Foundation and making a donation on behalf of the MLPD’s “No Shave November” program.

“We are going to keep the money local. And that way the money we raise can help cancer victims here in the community.”

For more information contact the Moses Lake Police Department at 509-764-3887 or the Columbia Basin Cancer Foundation at 509-764-4644.

Richard Byrd can be reached via email at city@columbiabasinherald.com.