Mt. Orab Police Department participates in ‘No Shave November’

Many individuals, groups, and organizations participate in No Shave November, raising funds for cancer patients and spreading awareness for the condition. The Mt. Orab Police Department decided to stow away their razors for the month to aid in the cause. Hunter McKinzie, a junior at Western Brown High School who has been battling non-Hodgkins lymphoma since March of 2022, was the inspiration for the Mt. Orab Police Department’s participation.

Once November rolled around, the officers brought up the notion of participating in the event by growing out beards. The idea was presented to the Mt. Orab Village Council where there was an immediate, green light consensus. The idea was enveloped by enthusiasm; this was yet another way for the police department to give back to the community. Next came solving the prompt of which cancer they were going to spread awareness for and whom they were raising the money for. The answer popped into everyone’s minds all at once, it was an easy decision.

“We have these meetings and through brainstorming and everything, you know, with everything that Hunter McKinzie, you know, had went through, just seemed like that was, you know, the answer, that’s the direction we need to go to keep it close to home.” Chief Jason Hahn of the Mt. Orab Police Department said.

Donations, no matter where they end up, hold so much meaning and are always a tremendous help to any cause they go to. The thought and care behind the donation itself touches the heart most. There is a profound intimacy with having the chance to donate and spread awareness for Hunter McKinzie, someone who is a part of the local community. All officers who chose to participate donated fifty dollars to the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. This year, 2022, is the first year that the police department participated in No-Shave November.

To keep their appearances professional, anyone who grew out a beard kept it tidy and trimmed. Some officers wished to donate without growing out their beard. The sudden, unexpected appearance of facial hair on the officers rose inquiries across the community. Officers were able to share the influence behind their participation in No-Shave November. McKinzie’s story is a grand inspiration to those who have battled cancer or have loved ones who have battled it. To persevere through such a vicious disease takes tremendous strength, determination, and endurance. After six months of fighting, McKinzie triumphed over his cancer and was able to return to playing football, one of his passions. It is a love for life and the people in one’s life that propel many onward. Supporting one another, even as strangers, encourages comfort.

The police department got into contact with Nick Osborne, Western Brown’s football coach, and asked about all of the fundraisers they had held for McKinzie and where the money had gone to. The police department ended up donating $800 to the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital in McKinzie’s honor. Wishing to express the depth of their support through a more personal approach, the police department contacted McKinzie’s mother and requested that he come visit the department. A polished, handmade plaque entitled as the “Outstanding Courage Award” was created by Officer Ingle for McKinzie. A lime green ribbon representative of lymphoma was included on the plaque. The donations, the handmade plaque, and the involvement itself are actions that the officers are honored to continuously take for the community. No Shave November is yet another event that the police department has to look forward to, deepening their bond with the community. “For everything he’s been through, all the courage that he’s had during everything that he’s been faced with, and from what, you know, interaction with him and seeing his posts, always with a positive attitude, to make it through all that and step onto the field. That takes courage. So that’s why we came up with the Outstanding Courage Award.” Chief Hahn said.

When McKinzie arrived at the department, they presented him with a plaque and words of admiration for his strength. A photo was snapped to commemorate the special moment. From the very beginning, the threads of fate wove each event together, never once becoming entangled.

“Well, we keep searching. It’s a daily thing that we you know, we try and come up with different ideas in whatever way we can, you know, serve the community. And like I said, let them know that, you know, we’re here and we want to help in any way we can.” Chief Hahn said.