“No Shave November” concluded with a “shave-off” event on Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018 with barbers from The Jagged Edge Spa & Salon pruning the collective whiskers of North Bergen’s finest.

About 80 officers in the North Bergen Police Department participated in the fundraiser this year, growing their beards and contributing to Fight CRC, an organization dedicated to raising money for research and awareness about colorectal cancer. Although CRC is the #2 cancer killer among men and women combined in the U.S., the disease is treatable if caught early, so the NBPD urges everyone to get screenings.

It was an early screening that identified the disease in Bob Ceragno, owner of Eye Contact Vision Center in North Bergen, and allowed him to get life-saving treatment several years ago. Since then he has been a vigorous advocate for Fight CRC, and has sponsored No-Shave November and the annual Shave-Off for the past three years.

This year about $5,000 was raised between the NBPD, Guttenberg PD, North Hudson Regional Fire & Rescue, Englewood Hospital, and other donors.

Police Chief Robert Dowd strongly encouraged police officers to participate in the drive as part of his focus on health and well-being in the department. Public Safety Commissioner Allen Pascual was among the individuals who let their beards grow for the month.

The Shave-Off saw numerous local and regional media descend on Eye Contact vision center to watch participants file up, take their seats in the barber chair, and walk away clean-shaven.

“It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of one of our beloved North Bergen Police Department sergeants,” writes North Bergen Mayor Nicholas Sacco in reference to the late Sgt. Alex Vazquez. “As a North Bergen Police Officer, [Vasquez] was regarded by his peers as a leader and a good friend to many in the department. He was a decorated officer with many great accomplishments throughout his career.”

“[Alex] was one of the most genuine guys I know. Alex you were what every man should want to be,” writes North Bergen Police Officer Kevin Rodriguez. “A cops cop, an excellent athlete, a smart dude with a bright future, a family man, and most of all a great father.”

Vazquez began his career in 2005 and is a graduate of the Passaic County Police Academy. Vazquez recently ranked #2 on the Sergeant Exam.

Vazquez has served as an Officer in Patrol Division and an Officer in the Detective Bureau. He was on loan to FBI Violent Crimes Task Force for an extended period of time.

Vazquez played a vital role in the high profile case of tracking down & arresting the actor involved in the Millburn home invasion and brutal assault of a mother captured on “nanny cam.”

“It’s a tough day in North Bergen and a devastating loss. Our deepest condolences go out to his family, wife, children, friends, and brothers & sisters in blue,” states the Mayor.

Funeral arrangements have been announced.

Wake: Oct. 27th Vanieiri Funeral Home 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Mass: Oct. 28th. Our Lady of Fatima 11:00 AM

Chief Robert J. Dowd announced that officers will be permitted to grow facial hair the entire month of November as a way to raise money and awareness for Colorectal Cancer.

“Three days into this ‘No Shave November’ and I’m itchy as can be,” tweets Chief Dowd.

Mr. Robert F. Ceragno, a local business owner of Eye Contact Vision Center and supporter of the NBPD, is a colorectal cancer survivor and will also be participating in our campaign and making a contribution as well.

All Officers wishing to participate are required to make a $50 tax deductible donation to “Fight Colorectal Cancer.” 100% of the proceeds will be donated to fightcolorectalcancer.org.

The department is having fun with the cause posting this meme on their official Facebook Page.

Colorectal cancer is the #2 leading cause of cancer deaths among men and women in the U.S. combined. Fight Colorectal Cancer is a community of activists who find it unacceptable that colorectal cancer – a preventable disease – is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S.