In a change from their personal grooming policies, Salisbury fire and police departments will allow male personnel to grow facial hair to promote awareness and support of the United Way of Rowan County during the “Public Safety No-Shave” campaign. Female personnel are permitted to wear more elaborate fingernail designs. The initiative is similar to other organizations that permit “dress down days.
To participate in the "No-Shave" campaign, firefighters and officers must make a donation to the nonprofit currently in the midst of its annual fundraising campaign. Participation is strictly voluntary, and all proceeds go to United Way.
“I am extremely proud of our fire and police department personnel for supporting this incredible cause,” said City Manager W. Lane Bailey. “This campaign not only raises funds for United Way but the display of facial hair will serve as a reminder to the community of our public safety personnel’s efforts to support the needs of the community through organizations like United Way. I would also like to recognize the employees who choose not to grow facial hair but still support the cause. Their enthusiasm has been well received by residents.”
At the conclusion of the campaign, the facial hair of the participants will be judged and prizes will be awarded based on appearance. Firefighters will be judged solely on their mustaches as they are not permitted to wear beards due to the safety of their personal protection equipment, while officers will be judged on mustaches and beards. The winner will be announced on the city’s official social media accounts during January 2019.
Those who are interested in donating to the cause may contact Jackie Harris, United Way resource development manager, at (704) 633-1802.