Police Grow Beards To Help Corrections Officer

Officers are growing out their beards to help corrections officer Joseph Graf, who is battling a brain tumor. (Photo courtesy Berkeley Township Police Department)

BERKELEY – Berkeley Police are growing out their beards for a good cause.

Each officer growing a beard has donated $50 toward the medical expenses of state correctional police officer Joseph Graf. He was diagnosed with a brain tumor several months ago.

A GoFundMe page to help with medical expenses was created back in September. Today, the fund has reached $21,375 of its $50,000 goal, with 261 people donating.

The Berkeley Township police officers will grow their beards throughout February.

It was a normal Monday morning routine of heading to work, when Graf passed out while exiting his car. He did manage to regain consciousness and walk into the corrections facility. He suffered head and facial injuries and was transported to a local hospital. Doctors discovered Graf had a large brain tumor. He was transported to Robert Wood Johnson in New Brunswick.

An update on his current condition was not immediately available.

“I am starting this fundraiser because Joe and Kelly will be facing some incredible medical expenses and their home expenses will become difficult as well, as Kelly is not able to work while she stays by Joe’s side. I am asking for as many people as possible to pray for Joe as well as helping them financially,” Elaine Probert McAleavey, who started the fundraiser, wrote.

Those wishing to make a donation to the Graf family can visit gofundme.com/joe-grafs-medical-expenses.