Though this is the second year that both the North Branford and Branford Police departments have participated in the No Shave November fundraising event, this year’s event hits closer to home as both departments dedicated this year’s fundraiser to Chris Manner, who served both departments and passed away earlier this fall.

Manner worked with the North Branford Police Department (NBPD) for 25 years, while also being deeply involved in the sports community in town, coaching basketball, cross-country, and track and field.

“It’s always difficult to lose someone to cancer and almost everyone has been touched by cancer, but there is a bond or a brotherhood that is developed in policing which is sometimes as strong or can be even stronger than family relationships,” said NBPD Deputy Chief James Lovelace. “Chris Manner was just one of those people who everyone liked. Throughout his career, Chris was dedicated to engaging the community in a variety of ways on and off duty. To honor Chris this year means a great deal to the officers of the NBPD. We are also remembering Officer Mark Gery, who also passed away two years ago, way too soon, to cancer.”

After retiring briefly, Manner began a career with the Branford Police Department (BPD). He was also involved in that community, coaching basketball and with several social organizations.

“Chris’s absence is always on our mind. He was a big part of our agency and was very involved in the Branford and North Branford communities he served,” said BPD Lieutenant Corrianne Carangelo. “We have always been committed to giving back in any way that we can through events such as this.”

According to noshavenovember.org, “the goal of No-Shave November is to grow awareness by embracing our hair, which many cancer patients lose, and letting it grow wild and free. Donate the money you typically spend on shaving and grooming to educate about cancer prevention, save lives, and aid those fighting the battle.”

Both police departments are fundraising through the event as a “friendly competition,” according to Lovelace. All funds raised go directly to the Connecticut Cancer Foundation and its Cancer Patient Assistance Program, which helps Connecticut cancer patients in support of their basic needs.

Heading into the last week of November, the NBPD had raised $1,140. Carangelo was proud to report that the BPD had more than doubled the 2019 fundraising efforts with $5,416 as of Nov. 25—eighth place of 26 teams.

“[Events like these] certainly have a positive impact on both our community and our agency,” said Carangelo. “It’s a team effort. We believe community policing is an important part of our job and working together towards a common goal, raising money for a cause, is something we are proud of and something we will continue to do.”

Lovelace agreed that the community connection created by events like these are important.

“Our officers have are committed to support many community programs as often as we can,” he said. “It’s a great morale boost by relaxing the grooming rules for the officers, especially during these difficult times for law enforcement. We feel that NBPD has a strong bond with our community which has been formed over the years through involvement with the community which in turn has built a mutual trust. Teaming up with the community for this cause is just another example of the partnership NBPD has with the North Branford community.”