Farmville Police Department General Order # 303, states that for male police officers, “The face shall be clean shaven.” So, if you see Farmville Police Officers sporting beards the month of November, please don’t think they’ve tossed the policy manual to the curb. They’re raising awareness and money for a good cause. The Farmville Police Department is participating in “No-Shave November.” According to the website, no-shave.org, “No-Shave November is a monthlong journey during which participants forgo shaving and grooming in order to evoke conversation and raise cancer awareness.”

For the month of November, Chief Andy Ellington has suspended the portion of General Order # 303 concerning facial hair. Any officer wishing to participate will donate $50 and be allowed to wear a beard for the entire month of November. Any officer who would rather continue shaving but still like to support the cause can donate $50 for cancer research. The idea to participate came from Officer Tim Holtz. Holtz said “I was inspired to coordinate this project because of friends and family who have battled cancer. I thought this would be a great way to bring awareness, and to raise money for cancer research.” In an email addressed to the department, Lieutenant Bobby Ragland encouraged officers to participate in raising money for cancer research. “Cancer is something that has affected all of us in some way at some point in our lives.”

Any citizen who wishes to participate or donate can do so by making out a check payable to the Town Treasurer with “No Shave November” in the memo line. We will gather on the last day in November for a group photo and announcement of the total amount raised for the project. All proceeds will be donated to the American Cancer Society.