PEPPERELL, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Pepperell Police are not participating in "No-shave November" this year for a charitable cause.
They are instead staying "baby faced" for baby Reece, who is the son of Officer Justin Zink. Reece was born in September with a rare genetic condition that causes development issues and epilepsy.
Zink's fellow officers created a Go Fund Me page for their communal nephew, who couldn't have been born to a nicer man, according to Pepperell Police Chief David Scott.
Scott told WBZ's Karyn Regal that Zink has been "keeping an eye" on the department to ensure that they have been staying protected throughout the duration of the pandemic.
"So much so that the guys have started the nickname Fauci for him," Scott said. "Somebody literally captured him helping an old lady across the street last year, so he's certainly loved by the town."
Part of the expenses include travel for baby Reece to visit a children's medical center in Philadelphia, where doctors are experienced in treating patients with Reece's condition.
“Reece’s gene has a mutation and does not function properly," the Go Fund Me said. "Due to this mutation he will experience many complications...potentially not walking, being unable to self-feed, orthotics, wheelchairs and walkers."
As of noontime on Wednesday, the page has raised over $73 thousand from the efforts of the department, a fundraiser at a local restaurant and other members of the community.
WBZ NewsRadio's Karyn Regal (@Karynregal) reports.
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(Photo: Pepperell Police Department Facebook)