Jerod Smith, David McLin, Chris Mardis and Kelly Fussell
ATHENS-In Athens, those who carry a badge do not sport a beard.
That’s changing this month.
Athens Police Chief Floyd Johnson said he is relaxing his requirements prohibiting beards to allow officers to participate in No Shave November in honor of a co-worker’s daughter. Bert Bradford, director of Athens Cemetery/Parks/Recreation has twin 11-year-old daughters, one of whom is fighting cancer.
“We want to help Bert’s family, show our support and show how much we care,” Johnson said. “This is our first year to participate in No Shave November.”
Johnson said it seems each year someone in the city family is impacted by sickness, especially cancer.
“I thought this would be one way we could publicly show how much we are thinking about them as his daughter fights this disease,” Johnson said.
Officers who want to participate donate $25 in support of the Bradford family, and those officers must keep their beards trimmed and neat.
Johnson said about 12 to 14 are participating so far.
The Athens Gas Department and City of Athens Relay for Life Team are also supporting the family with a fundraiser luncheon to help cover travel expenses for treatment at Vanderbilt. That Nov. 18 luncheon is sold out.
“We appreciate the community quickly responding and buying tickets to support the Bradford family,” said Relay Team Captain Holly Hollman. “Gas Department Manager Steve Carter pulled this luncheon together so that all proceeds will go to the family.”
