Cops Sporting Serious Facial Hair In Watsonville

WATSONVILLE, CA — If you spot a lot of Watsonville cops with furry faces, there's a great reason for it. For the fourth year in a row, dozens of Watsonville Police Department officers are growing their beards to support local kids with cancer.

The department said it has suspended its “facial hair” policy for its annual fundraiser to raise awareness about pediatric cancer and Jacob’s Heart, a nonprofit organization helping local families get through the most difficult times of their lives.

“It’s weird because you don’t see them with beards and out of nowhere just boom they all got beards," said Elias Sanchez, whose 4-year-old brother was diagnosed with cancer two years ago.

Sergeant Ely Uretsky said that in 2015, the police department wanted to do more for the community and decided to collaborate with a local nonprofit.

“We recognized Jacob’s Heart as being a wonderful thing for the community. So, the Watsonville Police Officers’ Association decided to start a fundraiser internally," Uretsky said.

The beards are also great conversation starters, giving officers the opportunity to talk to community members about Jacob’s Heart and all the services and support it offers to local families, according to the WPD.

“Once I knew the cause of it I was like, ‘Wow, it’s good’ because you get a conversation going," said 17-year-old Elias.

Uretsky said that over the years, the Watsonville Police Department has raised thousands of dollars.

“Each officer that donates $100 is able to grow their facial hair for several months and start this outreach, and then the police officers’ association collects that money and gives it to Jacob’s Heart," Uretsky said.

The department raises about $3,000 to $4,000 dollars annually. And that’s money that Jacob’s Heart has used in many different ways to help Elias’ little brother, Silas, who was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 2.

“Jacob’s Heart has helped my family a lot because they provided rides to Stanford when we needed to go get chemotherapy and radiation," Elias said. “It was one less stress off our shoulders.”

It’s been a long journey for Elias and his family, but they’ve gone through it with Jacob’s Heart right by their side.

“The moment I found out he was cancer-free, I teared up. I literally started crying of happiness," Elias said. “When people donate to Jacob’s Heart, it really goes to like a really good cause and for those people, I’m really grateful.”

The Watsonville Police Officers’ Association will be presenting a check to Jacob’s Heart during the Kidrageous Carnival Sunday at the Watsonville Plaza from 12-4 p.m.

It’s a great opportunity for families to come out, have a great time and support this great cause.

For more information, click on the following link: http://bit.ly/2m4ngSo