It probably wasn’t the best looking haircut they’ve ever had, but they’d be hard pressed to have a more meaningful one.
In all, 20 men, including many of Lake Orion’s finest, went with a new bald look last Wednesday at Salon U in downtown.
The event was a show of support for the family of Police Chief Jerry Narsh. Eight-year-old Anthony Narsh is battling a rare musculoskeletal cancer, Eosinophilic granuloma (EG), and his dad promised to shave his head when Anthony deemed it fit.
Little did they know, many of Narsh’s fellow officers and some family friends weren’t going to let the duo don the new look alone.
‘I don’t know who really got it going,? Narsh said. ‘A couple of the guys said, ‘We’ll do it with you,? and it just kind of went from there.?
About a dozen officers, including one from the Pontiac Police Department, went under the razor to show their support.
Village Council President Rob Reetz and Officers Chuck McLaughlin and Reed Brown were among those that helped organize the event.
‘We’re truly humbled,? Narsh said. ‘I can’t say what a cool place this is to live. This is home.?
Salon U owner Lisa Miller said she was just glad to be a part of it all.
‘It’s so great to give back to a family that gives so much to our community,? she said. ‘It shows how strong our police force is. It’s very touching.?
Onlookers came equipped with cameras and even Fox 2 was on hand to see all the hair come off.
Many businesses donated to a gift basket for Anthony and have provided Tuesday night meals for the family since he began chemotherapy treatments earlier this summer.
‘Early on, Lisa and the girls contacted us with some things for Anthony, just like many of the other businesses in the area did,? Narsh said.
The chief added that Salon U, which had 10 of its 15 stylists armed with electric razors, was just one of many businesses in the community that went above and beyond in helping the family and bringing joy to Anthony.
‘As he gets older, Amanda and I want him to remember the positives about the community coming together,? Narsh said. ‘This is all fun.?
Those sentiments were echoed by Miller, who said Narsh’s haircut was one of the easiest she had all day.
‘You can’t mess it up,? she noted. ‘It was a lot of fun.?
The best part for Anthony? When dad finally lost his mustache, a moment he’d been looking forward to for a while.
‘He’s had a huge smile on his face all week,? Narsh said. ‘He fully understands the support and the love on display here today.?