By Brandi Makuski

Things are getting a bit hairy at the Plover Police Department.

Officers in Plover on Wednesday kicked off their second annual Bearded Warrior Contest — a fun way to help raise money for the United Way of Portage County.

Fresh on the heals of the many domestic violence and breast cancer awareness campaigns of October, November is known as “No-Shave November” or “Movember”, a campaign that bring awareness to health issues like prostate and testicular cancers, as well as mental health issues, such as depression, affecting men.

“As you can see, some people are already cheating,” joked Police Chief Dan Ault, as he pointed to Det. Mike Tracey, last year’s Bearded Warrior Champion. Tracey was sporting a fresh goatee, something allowed under a new department policy on facial grooming standards for male officers.

“But he’s got some fresh competition this year,” Ault adding, saying new officer Jacob Paltz (who was sworn into office in July) along with Sgt. Paul Bushmaker, Sgt. Brent Thauer and Lt. Ryan Fox are just a few of the officers participating.

The contest is just a humorous release for the men at PPD, Ault said, but rather than focus on one specific cause, all funds raised during the month will be donated to the United Way.

Ault said the PPD is asking the public to donate this month to the United Way and not the police department.

“This is about awareness, not our department.” Ault said.

The women who work in the department aren’t being left out, Ault said: they’ll judge the best — and worst — soup-catchers grown throughout the month, and announce both at the end of November.

The Plover Police Dept. is located at 242 Post Road. To donate to the United Way, go to www.unitedwaypoco.org.