No Close Shaves For North Reading Police Next Month

The North Reading Police Department will be participating in First Responder No-Shave November to benefit Home Base, a joint Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital Program.

Along with other law enforcement partners, the North Reading Police Department will join MBTA Transit Police Officer Kurt Power, U.S. Army Veteran, Purple Heart recipient and former Home Base patient, for the third annual "No-Shave November" campaign in support of Home Base’s mission to help veterans and families heal from the invisible wounds, such as post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury -- regardless of their financial means or discharge status.

Throughout the month of November, Chief Michael P. Murphy said North Reading police officers will be permitted to go unshaven in exchange for making a donation to Home Base and raising awareness of the challenges affecting our nation's Service Members and Veterans.

Since 2009, Home Base has worked to heal the Invisible Wounds for Veterans, Service Members and their Families through world-class clinical care, wellness, education and research. All Home Base treatment, wellness programs and research opportunities are provided at no cost to them; discharge status is not a determination factor for participation. Education offerings on the invisible wounds are available to healthcare professional, first responders, and community members free of charge.

Home Base reported that in 2016, 500 first responders across 21 cities in Massachusetts raised more than $50,000 through the No-Shave November campaign.

"Our officers are all enthusiastic about supporting the great work that Home Base does for veterans and their families," Chief Murphy said. "This is a fun and impactful way for us to show our gratitude to the men and women who defend our freedom."

To learn more about how to support Home Base, please visit their website at homebase.org.

Officers will also be welcomed to participate in a voluntary ceremonial shave off on Nov. 30 at Fenway Park.