READING — Chief David Clark is pleased to announce that the Reading Police Department is raising money this November to benefit veterans and their families through Home Base No Shave.
While officers would in the past donate $100 to earn an exemption from the department’s facial hair policy, Chief Clark has since changed the policy to allow officers to grow facial hair year-round. However, the department is as committed as ever to raising money for Home Base No Shave and supporting its work helping veterans facing post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injuries and more.
All Reading Police officers sporting beards this month have pledged to donate $100 as they have in years past. So far, the department has raised nearly $1,800 toward its $2,000 goal.
In addition to its online fundraiser, which residents can support here, the Reading Police Department has also created a camouflage version of its uniform patch. The patch is available for sale, with proceeds benefitting Home Base No Shave.
“Home Base does extraordinary work supporting our nation’s veterans and their families, and our officers are honored to help advance that work each November,” Chief Clark said. “While residents may see officers wearing beards more often these days, the beards still hold of lot of meaning during the month of November.”
To request a patch, please send a self-addressed stamped envelope — as well as a check for $10 made out to Home Base — to the Reading Police Department, 15 Union St., Reading, Mass. 01867 (attention: Community Service Officer Kristen O’Shaughnessy).
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