Just a little off the top

City Police Chief Paul Cook and son Matt carry on a family tradition.

North Bay Police, Ontario Provincial Police, and other law enforcement, emergency service workers and Police Foundations students from Canadore College gathered at the North Bay Mall Tuesday to take a little of the top of their heads for the annual ‘Cops for Cancer,” fundraising event.

The event started in June 1994 with just one lone officer, Sergeant Gary Goulet of the Edmonton police force, who was inspired to take action when he heard that 5-year-old Lyle Jorgenson was being teased at school because of his hair loss due to cancer.

To date officers across the country have raised over $23 million and area law enforcement officers added nearly another $17,000 to the cause Tuesday afternoon.

City Police Chief Paul Cook, who customarily participates in the event with his father, had a new partner for the event this year because sadly Cook’s father passed away earlier this year.

“My Dad and I started doing this in honour of my mom in 2,000 because my mom had breast cancer,” he explains.

“It’s great that Matt agreed to do this and carry on the tradition.”

Matt says he wasn’t sure what to think about losing the curls but understood the importance of the family tradition, and that his grandmother would be proud.

“I have never shaved my head before,” he states.

“Since my grandfather couldn’t be here I basically am stepping in. My dad mentioned that maybe I should do it this year and I thought why not it’s for a good cause.”

“Plus my grandpa passed away this year ... he would have been pleased.”