San Marcos Police Participate in Beard Patrol

Carlos Marquez
News Reporter

The San Marcos Police Department will take the No-Shave November Challenge to raise funds for the Testicular Cancer Foundation.

Participating officers will grow beards and goatees during the month of November, and donate the money they would have used to shave.

Police Chief Chase Stapp said the challenge is for a good cause, emphasizing “we were contacted by the testicular cancer foundation a couple months ago back, and they asked if we would like to participate in this, and it seemed like a really good cause and something I thought the officers would enjoy doing and so I think it’s hugely important.”

Chief Stapp also urges the importance of the Beard Patrol, stressing “It’s the number one cancer in men ages 15-35 and it’s almost 100% treatable. I’ve known a fellow police officers who have been treated for the disease and so I think it’s very important we get that message out. ”

Employees who cannot grow facial hair, may sponsor an employee or make a donation in honor of someone fighting a men’s health cancer. The cancer is 99% treatable if it is caught in Stage 1 and the program’s intent is to bring awareness to the community. The program will also provide information about self-exams, diagnosis and treatment of testicular cancer and have a check presentation closer to the end of this month. The department has raised just under $1,000 and will continue to spread awareness. Students are encouraged to stop an officer with a beard to get more information on testicular cancer.