Fayetteville police plan to bust some beards, BBQ

Make your plans now to join the Fayetteville Police Department on Wednesday, Feb. 28, at J. Sam’s Barbershop in Fayetteville for beard razing and barbecue grazing.

Above, awaiting their cuts are (L-R in uniform) Officer Eddie Hernandez, Officer Eric Tilley and Officer Tyler Simpson. Barber Sam Burch is standing left in the yellow checkered shirt beside barber Tyler Powell. Photo/Fayetteville PD.

Normally, Fayetteville police officers are not allowed to grow a full beard, but that policy is waived every November for participants who participate in “No-Shave November” and contribute $25 toward a cancer-related charity.

This time around, Police Chief Scott Gray allowed participants to keep their beards through February when they continue to contribute $25 a month to the charity.

That four-month bearded window is coming to a close now, and Fayetteville barbers Sam Burch and Tyler Powell of J. Sam’s Barbershop are sharpening their clippers.

A Feb. 28 event, to which the public is welcomed from 4-7 p.m., will feature the trimming of those beards while spectators enjoy the barbecue stylings of Brad Brezina of The Harbin Agency.

J. Sam’s Barbershop is located at 155 West Stonewall Avenue (Hwy. 54) at the corner of Bennett Street. Parking is available across the street at Stonewall Village.

According to Officer Eddie Hernandez, one of the No-Shave November participants, nearly $2,000 has been raised through 21 bearded officers. The money will be donated to the Piedmont Fayette Hospital Cancer Wellness Center.

Burch says barbecue will be offered on a donation basis to add to that financial contribution.