Officers and command staff will sport mustaches and beards throughout November to raise awareness and funds for male health issues
Chief of Police Patrick Gurcsik predicts a slew of 80’s mustaches this month as the Washington Township Police Department, in partnership with local PBA 318, participates in the national Movember movement to raise awareness and funds for male health issues.
Beginning Nov. 1, approximately 35 officers, as well as members of the department’s command staff, will sport their best, or worst, facial hair for an initial donation of $25. Throughout the month, participants are encouraged to solicit donations from family members and local businesses to support charity organizations that provide funding for the treatment of prostate and testicular cancer, as well as mental health and suicide prevention for men.
“Our job is tough, and we often neglect our own health to take care of others,” Gurcsik said. “I think Movember is an important reminder to get regular check-ups, eat healthy and exercise.”
According to the Movember Foundation, a global men’s health charity, men die an average of six years earlier than women. Gurcsik said the department made the decision to take part in the fundraiser to encourage each other, their community and those they love to take care of their health.
“At the Washington Township Police Department, we are a family,” Gurcsik said. “We are more community oriented than ever before, and this fundraiser will help build morale and camaraderie.”
According to Officer and PBA President Kris Hice, much like the community policing efforts the department has taken part in this year, such as Coffee with a Cop, Fishing with a Cop and Cool Off with a Cop, the Movember movement aims to spark conversation between police and the community regarding the many health issues men encounter.
“This is important for all officers to participate in because these health issues do not discriminate and could potentially affect all men,” Hice said.
This month is the first time the department has participated in Movember, however Hice said, he hopes to involve additional organizations and members of the community in the future to expand the reach of awareness and donations for male cancer and mental health agencies.
At the end of the month, participating teams, comprised of each platoon, along with the Professional Standards Bureau and Investigations Bureau will have the chance to win awards for the team that collected the most donations, as well as individual awards for best and worst mustache or beard. The department’s female officers and secretarial staff will determine the winners.
Community members can follow the officers’ mustache and beard progress on the Washington Township Police Department social media sites. Those interested in making a donation can either mail a check to police headquarters, located at 1 McClure Drive, Sewell, or drop off a donation at Gurcsik’s office.
For more information, visit www.washingtontwppolice.org. To learn more about the Movember movement, visit www.movember.com.
