Rochester, N.Y. (WHAM) - Several officers in the Rochester area shaved their beards Monday as part of an effort to raise money for cancer research.

Thirteen law enforcement agencies took part in the beard-growing fundraiser. The organizations donated money to allow officers and deputies to grow a beard for a month, then shave it.

The effort is a month-long initiative with 13thirty Cancer Connect, an organization that supports teens and young adults fighting cancer.

Typically Rochester Police officers cannot grow a beard.

"The guys have a good time picking on each other," Rochester Police Sgt. Adam Devincentis said. "You know there's grey beards, there's guys who can't quite grow it all the way. It's just something new and different. The uniform appearance is great, but we are community members and we want to reflect the community."

More than $21,000 was raised through the event. Donations are being accepted through the end of the month online here.

http://13wham.com/news/local/officers-shave-beards-raise-money-for-teens-with-cancer