Toccoa Police Officers Growing Beards for A Good Cause

A number of Toccoa Police officers are growing beards, goatees, and moustaches all for a good cause.

Toccoa Police Chief Tim Jarrell said that starting this month and continuing for the next several months, the police department has waived its policies slightly to allow officers to grow facial hair.

Jarrell said it is part of a police department fundraising effort.

“Officers are donating $5 every Friday that goes to the American Cancer Society,” said Jarrell. “In return, they can grow a beard or facial hair.”

Jarrell said there are still rules to ensure that any facial hair is well-kept and groomed properly.

He said they plan to continue allowing the facial hair through May, when Stephens County hosts its annual Relay for Life event to benefit the American Cancer Society.

The chief said a number of officers are participating in this fundraiser.

“Currently, we have 10 officers who have already begun,” said Jarrell. “We have 3 or 4 more that are wanting to, but are debating about when they want to begin. We are expecting to be able to raise somewhere between $1100 and $1500.”

Jarrell went on to say that he thinks the officers that are participating are excited to do so.

“I believe that the officers participating in it are happy that they are getting to do this and they are happy it is for a good cause,” said Jarrell, who is also participating himself.

Jarrell said the department is considering taking photos of all the participating officers at the end of the fundraiser and allowing people to vote on which beard they like in a number of different categories, but that has not been finalized.