South Australia Police (SAPOL) members joined fellow emergency responders at Glenelg today to launch 'Movember' awareness for the three biggest health issues affecting men; mental health and suicide, prostate cancer and testicular cancer.
Fire trucks and patrol cars donning mos lined Glenelg's foreshore for the Emergency Services Movember Shave Down Event, where a team of barbers snipped, clipped and shaved faces in preparation for the awareness month.
Volunteers and staff of the South Australian Country Fire Service (CFS), South Australian State Emergency Service (SES), Metropolitan Fire Service (MFS), South Australian Fire and Emergency Services Commission (SAFECOM) along with the SA Ambulance Service (SAAS) and SAPOL have accepted the challenge to compete with other first responders to see who can grow the best Mo, or make the biggest move to raise money for vital health projects.
Commissioner of Police Grant Stevens even manned the razor this morning, for the cause.
"Movember is a great way to raise awareness, be aware of our own health, and speak to our mates and convey that important message to reach out for help when you need it," he said during the event.
"Suicide is the leading cause of death for men, and when we come together, we can make a big difference.
"We often come together as emergency services in times of emergency like bushfire, floods, pandemics, and other types of events which require us to collaborate and work together, and we do that really well.
"The majority of people working in the emergency services sector are men, and as leaders, we, SAPOL, support our people, and are pleased to come together with other agencies to support Movember."
Jeff the Road Safety Dog joined mascots from other services in proudly displaying upper-lip growth, along with police horses Vulcan and Yass.
Despite the event's enjoyable atmosphere, the seriousness of men's health awareness was not lost on attendees.
Assistant Commissioner Scott Duval shared his personal connection to the cause – speaking publically for the first time on his own prostate cancer diagnosis.
After years of regular testing, he revealed an MRI and biopsy had led to the discovery of stage 1 prostate cancer.
"For me, early intervention has meant my cancer is very treatable," Assistant Commissioner Duval said.
"My opportunity to get in early and have those awkward conversations with my GP has made my illness manageable.
"Let's talk about men's health, and don't be embarrassed about it.
"Once you open up, it's amazing how common it is."
Head to movember.com for more on men's health, fundraising ideas, or info on Movember.
