As the days of November go on, police officers in the East Ridge Police Department will start taking on a shaggier look.
This year, 29 officers pledged their support to the city's Needy Child Fund by participating in "no-shave November."
Acting East Ridge Police Chief Stan Allen said this is the largest cohort of participants, making for the largest donation to the cause to date. For the privilege of not having to shave, each officer pledges $25 to the fund.
This year they donated $725, which will be used to ensure children in the city have an enjoyable holiday season. The annual tradition of allowing officers a month without shaving is going on three years, Allen said.
For decades, the Needy Child Fund has provided food and presents to locals in need. It became a registered nonprofit in 2017 when it split from the city, which started and previously managed the fund.
For the holidays, a team reviews applications from East Ridge families, gifting qualified recipients with a food basket containing a ham and other festive foods. The group makes it their mission to provide children with at least one gift.
For the upcoming holiday season, the group is seeking slime kits, Nerf guns, Legos, sports equipment and remote-control cars.
Interested volunteers or those looking for assistance can reach to the East Ridge Needy Child Fund on Facebook.
Email Sabrina Bodon at sbodon@timesfreepress.com
The East Ridge Police and Fire departments are getting new equipment
Earlier this year, Hamilton County applied for and was awarded a $321,116 grant from the Department of Safety and Homeland Security. Of those funds, the county distributed $15,000 to the city’s fire department for radio equipment and $2,500 to the police department.The police department will use the grant for safety equipment including medical gloves and footwear covers as well as face and eye protection, according to a memo from Amanda Bowers, the city’s community involvement coordinator.Acting East Ridge Police Chief Stan Allen announced the grants at the city council meeting Oct. 24. He also presented officer David Boyd the city’s Life Saving Award.On Sept. 18, Boyd responded to a call and performed CPR before emergency services arrived. This act, Allen said, saved the life of an East Ridge resident.