By Josh Davis, Associate Editor

(Dec. 6, 2018) Berlin Police helped to raise money for The Movember Foundation last month by participating in “No Shave November.”

The organization describes itself as “the leading charity changing the face of men’s health … addressing some of the biggest health issues faced by men: prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health and suicide prevention.”

Police Chief Arnold Downing on Monday said each participating officer donated $30 to participate.

He said mental health is a concern for police, adding that national statistics show 140 officers died by suicide in 2017 versus 129 shot and killed in the line of duty.

According to a Facebook post on the Berlin Police Department page on Saturday, “As November ends, so will the end to the beards and goatees wore by the uniform officers of the Berlin Police Department for … ‘No Shave November’ or ‘Movember.’”

“Unfortunately, a lot more work has to be done, [as] three members of the local law enforcement community [have] committed suicide between October 20th and November 29th (two retired and one active),” the post continued. Talk to the men in your life, let them know that their well-being and health is important and that you love them.”

“No Shave November” participants were Downing, Sgt. Michael O’Connor, Cpl. Merle Bragg, S.O. Joseph Kerr, S.O. Chris Bireley, Pfc. Aaron Titerence, Pfc. Gary Bratten and Ofc. Kevin Lloyd.

For more information, visit www.us.movember.com or www.facebook.com/BerlinPoliceMaryland.