Don’t expect to see a whole lot of clean-shaven Montgomery County Sheriff’s deputies this month.

The normally clean-shaven unit has been growing their mustaches beards and goatees in observance of “No Shave November,” an annual fundraiser that takes on added significance this year as it focuses on an issue close to the hearts of everyone in the extended sheriff’s department family.

In honor of the family of Deputy Bryan Lukens, who tragically lost sons Bryan Jr. and Parker in a fire at their Schwenksville home last December, proceeds from this year’s event will benefit Camp Millie, a summer camp for grieving children run by The Center for Loss and Bereavement, writes Oscar Gamble in The Times Herald.

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Montgomery County Sheriff Sean Kilkenny said the department has been participating in “No Shave November” for around six years and usually donates the money it raises — about $2,000 — to men’s health causes, a common theme for other Mustache November or “Movember” events around the country.

“But there is something this year that is even more profound for us,” he said during a ceremony at the Montgomery County Courthouse Monday.

“As many of you may know last year, our office and the Lukens family had a horrible tragedy as the Lukens’ dealt with the loss of two of their children. Camp Millie is working with their daughter Soffia and other children dealing with bereavement.”

Deputy Lukens, his wife Tracy, and Soffia were on hand as Kilkenny, who opted to remain facially follicly challenged, nevertheless donated $75 — the full cost of a beard — to the bereavement center’s Executive Director Emily Vincent.

Vincent explained that Camp Millie is a program offered to children 6 to 12-years-old who have suffered the loss of an immediate family member. The center also offers counseling and peer groups year-round for children and families dealing with grief and loss.

To read the complete story click here.

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