East Providence Police officers join 'Mo'vember' movement

EAST PROVIDENCE — Members of the East Providence Police Department, those follically challenged and those who have "five o'clock shadow' by 9 a.m., are participating in the annual "Mo'vember" facial hair fundraiser this month.

According to EPPD Sergeant Andy Benoit, the officers' effort started last year when several grew out mustaches. "This was all in good fun originally but it grew legs and we decided to raise money alongside growing them out," Sgt. Benoit explained. "With the guys participating from the department, as well as money raised from co-workers and our unions, we were able to present a check to a local family in need with a child suffering from Hodgkin’s Lymphoma."

At about the same time in 2015, the EPPD also started participating in the "Good Night Lights" program with patients at Hasbro Children's Hospital. Each Wednesday evening at 8:30 p.m., EPPD officers activate the emergency lights on their vehicles as they drive on Veterans Memorial Parkway to say "good night" to the kids and their families staying at Hasbro across the bay.

"This year, several of us agreed to do 'Mo'vember' again and we decided whatever money was raised we would donate it to 'Cops for Kids with Cancer'. While we were very happy to have given the money to the local family dealing with cancer last year, we chose 'Cops for Kids with Cancer' so that the money raised may help benefit multiple families suffering with the children that have cancer," Sgt. Benoit said.

While mustaches are permitted, the notion of officers participating in a similar event, "No Shave November" where men sport full breads, was against the department guidelines. But considering the circumstances, EPPD Chief Chris Parella agreed to relent a bit on the matter.

"Unfortunately, our policy dictates that no beards, goatees or mustaches passed the lip crease are allowed so I explained to them I didn’t think so seeing it would violate policy," said Sgt. Benoit. "When I kept continually getting asked by more and more guys, I advised them to check with the chief to see if he would be willing to relax the policy so we could participate. I wasn't optimistic seeing appearance is a huge part of this job, but then I was informed that not only did Chief Parella approve the idea, he overwhelmingly supported it."

Since the chief gave his blessing, the "No Shave November" effort has taken off. Each officer is donating $75 to participate. As of last week, over 30 active and retired officers as well as dispatchers are taking part. The group has also set up a Go Fund Me account for the public to support us (gofundme.com/eppd-no-shave-november), which has already raised over $1,000. Support from the community is also encouraged. Those who want to assist the cause can donate through the Go Fund Me page or contact Sgt. Benoit vie email, abenoit@cityofeastprov.com.

"We want the public to know that if they notice officers with a little extra facial hair that they know it is all for a good cause," Sgt. Benoit added. "I'm pretty sure each and every one has somehow been effected by cancer, whether it was a loved one, friend or co-worker. I can't imagine what it’s like having a child suffer from any form of cancer and if we can help just ease the pain a little with these donations this will be a huge success. With that all being said, Chief Parella didn't want recognition for this, but without his overwhelming support this would not have been able to be done."