The Hilliard Division of Police was among several central Ohio police departments who joined forces this season to raise money for cancer research in memory of a former Dublin police detective.
Led by the Upper Arlington Police Department, several departments fundraised by participating in No Shave November, a program in which officers could grow a mustache or goatee in exchange for a donation.
The money was collected, and on Tuesday a check for $22,512 was presented to The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, the patient care component of The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Specifically, the funding will support gall bladder cancer research in memory of former Dublin Police Detective Erik Gilleland, who died in April from the disease. His family was among those in attendance at the check presentation ceremony on Tuesday.
“He never wanted cancer to define him,” said Gilliland’s wife, Paula. “It didn’t steal from his dignity or resolve, and he continued to live a life of no regrets.”
Hilliard officers who participated in the No Shave November challenge had the option to make a second donation, extending their mustaches or goatees through the month of December.
