SFD and EMS use mustaches to promote men's health

SANDPOINT — Local firefighters and emergency workers are changing up their look — and hopefully, it will save a few lives down the road.

Once again, “Movember” has rolled around, and that means individuals everywhere are bound to see a few more mustaches in their day-to-day lives. And that only means good things for everyone — except, perhaps, a few annoyed spouses.

 An international men’s health movement started in 2004, Movember encourages men everywhere to raise awareness about prostate cancer by growing a mustache throughout November. Local firefighters and EMS personnel took up the cause with gusto, and with the month almost over, they’ve got big plans for raising awareness and money for men’s health.

The most immediate benefit of a completely ridiculous mustache is, of course, its attention-grabbing quality. Movember participants welcome the double takes and inquisitive comments their mustaches provoke — one of the central campaign goals is to raise awareness for the importance of early detection exams that catch prostate cancer before it becomes deadly.

“A lot of guys don’t want to take these exams, but it can be a life or death choice,” said Lt. Glen Cassidy of the Sandpoint Fire Department.

Fundraising for cancer research is also an important part of Movember, and there are a couple ways to help on that front. The most immediate method is to donate to the Sandpoint Fire Department Movember team at us.movember.com/team/1066277.

Those who like a little beer with their charity also have a chance to contribute.

Starting 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5, Sandpoint Fire Department is hosting a Movember party at MickDuff’s.

The first 50 attendees will receive a special pint glass, and the first keg of beer is free courtesy of the Sandpoint Fire Department. The crew will also award prizes for the best and creepiest ’staches in the room.

Entry to the party costs $10, and all proceeds go to cancer research.The Sandpoint Fire Department is grateful to the MickDuff’s crew for their willingness to help.

Last year, the Movember party raised $650, and that will only improve as it becomes a more established tradition, firefighters said.

“We’re pretty sure we’re going to do a lot better this year,” Cassidy said.

Of course, Movember also gives local firefighters a chance for a little team bonding and good-natured ribbing.

They began Nov. 1 with a thorough shave, setting up a clean slate for the elaborate mustaches to follow. Some opted for thick handlebar mustaches. Others settled for a pencil-thin strip of scruff. No matter what the style, it contributes to the greater good — and for some, that greater good comes at a high price.

“My wife hates my mustache,” Cassidy said. “She said she would donate $100 herself if I would just shave it off.”