Natick Cops Head To Fenway To Mark Successful No Shave November

BOSTON, MA — Natick Police Department officials are expected to spend part of their day not in cruisers or at police headquarters, but at Fenway Park on Thursday.

Dozens of officers from across New England – including those from the Natick Police Department – will say goodbye to their beards, mustaches and goatees at a ceremony at Fenway Park marking the end of "No Shave November."

This November, members of the department participated in the "No Shave" month affiliated with Home Base, which raises both awareness and funds for the program.

Home Base is a partnership between the Boston Red Sox and Mass General Program. Each year, the Home Base "No Shave" initiative brings together first responders and community members to raise awareness and funds to pay for critical care, officials said.

In addition, Home Base provided custom Home Base No Shave patches and hair ties to all participating officers, including many women officers to encourage their participation and support during the initiative, officials said.

Hundreds of first responders from more than 80 New England police departments signed up this year. Since its inception in 2015 by Kurt Power, MBTA Transit/Boston Gang Unit Detective, U.S. Army Veteran and Purple Heart recipient, the campaign has raised over $1.4 million to provide critical mental health and brain injury care, all at no cost to United States wounded and injured service members and their families.

“The Home Base No Shave campaign raises awareness and funds for the critical, lifesaving care we provide to Veterans, Service Members, Military Families and Families of the Fallen,” said Home Base Executive Director Brigadier General (Ret.) Jack Hammond.

“According to the Department of Justice, nearly 25 percent of today's law enforcement community has a military background, meaning this is a cause that is close to home for many Officers and their Families. This campaign has raised over $1.4 million to date thanks to public support, and the participation of hundreds of police stations and officers, first responders and members of the community in our 9th annual edition which will continue to directly support and positively impact those who need our care most.”