The Mineola Police Department, Mineola ISD PD and Precinct 2 Constable Kelly Smith are participating in No Shave November for Testicular Cancer through the Beard Patrol initiative. They are raising funds and awareness by growing a mustache, goatee or beard for 30 days.

All donations received for the Beard Patrol campaign go directly toward the mission of the Testicular Cancer Foundation to provide support, awareness, and education. Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in males 15-34 and impacts one male every hour. If caught in stage 1 through early detection, it is 99% treatable. 

Captain Dusty Cook says the campaign is established with other Texas police departments and Mineola PD has been invited to participate in the campaign before. However, policy didn’t allow for facial hair. Police Chief Chuck Bittner has given the department special permission to participate in the initiative this year.

The goal of the Mineola police department is to raise $500 donated directly to the Beard Patrol through give.beardpatrol.org/mineola-police. 

Male participants can join the effort by growing their facial hair during November and donating to the cause. If you can’t grow facial hair, you can sponsor someone who can or donate in honor of someone fighting testicular cancer.

Cook is always looking for new ways for the police to be involved within the community. Their participation in the Beard Patrol campaign will serve as a trial for future fundraisers. Ideally, they would like to participate in more fundraising campaigns, but it will depend on the feedback they receive from the community.

Be part of the movement and follow the campaign progress at www.facebook.com/mineolapolicedepartment. Help them raise money and awareness and save lives.