Members of the Kent Police Department are participating in No Shave November to raise money and awareness for serious men’s health issues.

Officers have joined the Movember Foundation, a global charity committed to men living happier, healthier and longer lives. According to its website, the global foundation has raised over $650 million and is funding over 1,000 projects focused on prostate cancer, testicular cancer, poor mental health and physical inactivity since 2003.

The Kent Police Department calls its team of supporting officers, Team Kent 5.0.

“You’ll see that many of our officers have mustaches, beards, goatees and even some funny Fu Manchu mustaches,” said Mike Lewis, administrative lieutenant at the Kent Police Department.

Last year the Kent Police Department raised $1,792 for the cause.

Members of Team Kent 5.0 noted their motivation for supporting this foundation on their donation page.

“My motivation is the 1 in 7 brothers, fathers, grandfathers, and friends around the world that will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. I am growing a goatee to spread awareness and raise funds for this important cause,” said Detective Dave Marino.

“My motivation is to use the power of the moustache to have an everlasting impact on the face of men’s health,” said Officer JP Gormsen.

According to the Movember Foundation, testicular cancer is the most common cancer found in men, ages 15-34, in the United States. It is also stated that prostate cancer is the second most common cancer found in men in the United States.

The World Health Organization estimates that 510,000 men die from suicide every year, almost one per minute. The Movember Foundation works to bring leading experts together from around the world to create solutions that will change the way men are treated and supported.

Men can support this cause and raise awareness just by sporting a little facial hair throughout the month of November.

“Although our policy typically prohibits beards and goatees, Chief Michelle Lee is a great sport and loves that we are willing to do this for a great cause and she supports this campaign,” said Lewis.

Donations to this cause can be done on the Kent Police Departments Movember page.

Carson Kleinman is the safety/transportation reporter for The Kent Stater. Contact her at [email protected].