Farmington, NM – During the month of November, the community may notice a change in our officers’ appearance…

And the change is all for a good cause! The Farmington Police Department will be participating in No-Shave November. This is a time when individuals stop putting a razor to their face and grow out their hair to help raise cancer awareness. Money that’s typically spent on shaving and grooming products is instead, donated to cancer related organizations.

Farmington chief of police, Steve Hebbe, approved officers to take part in this initiative, with one caveat: they must pay to participate. The department’s involvement in No-Shave November will benefit not one, but two causes: cancer awareness and the local Shop with Your Cops program.

The idea was raised after one of FPD’s shift sergeants learned the program was looking for sponsors. Shop with Your Cops is an annual, multi-agency law enforcement event that helps create memorable Christmases for children in our community. The event is organized and managed by the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office Foundation. The foundation’s 2016 goal is to provide EVERY child referred to the program, with the experience of shopping with their cops.

“Our community, like so many others, is experiencing economic hardships,” explained Georgette Allen, public information officer. “No-Shave November is close to the holidays. By participating in this initiative in such a way, we can help increase cancer awareness and provide assistance to families right here in San Juan County.”

Officers were informed of this fundraising event on November 4 and donations immediately came in, including from Chief Hebbe, who will be sporting a goatee. Minimum donations are $25 to grow a goatee and $40 to grow a beard. Officers must pay prior to growing their chosen facial hair.

Anyone who would like to make a donation to this year’s Shop with Your Cops event, can mail a check or money order to the SJCSO Foundation 211 S. Oliver Aztec, NM 87410. To make a donation with a debit or credit card, or for more information, email sjcsofoundation@gmail.com .

If you would like to make a donation toward a local cancer organization, visit sanjuanmedicalfoundation.com