A close shave
Published: July 27, 2006
Early predictions ranged from bad to outright ugly but after seeing the results, Officer Tyler Wampler’s toughest critics quickly rescinded their earlier prophecies.
In the end, both Wyatt, 8, and Garrett Wampler, 6, sheepishly shook their heads when asked if their dad’s new “do” was as bad as they thought it would be.
Wampler, of the Keizer Police Department, joined about 45 area police officers who took turns under the electric shaver last Thursday on the steps of the Marion County Courthouse. The event, dubbed “Crop-A-Cop,” was a fundraiser for Doernbecher Children’s Hospital.
It wasn’t the first time Wampler had his head shaved – that occurred when he joined the Army back in 1986 – but it was different.
“I didn’t have to raise money the first time they took it off,” he said.
The event was kicked off by 7-year-old Maddie Melgard, daughter Sgt. Chris Melgard, of the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. Maddie, who is battling leukemia, showed only a hint of trepidation as she ran the shears over her father’s head.
It was Wampler’s second time participating in the fund-raiser. The last time was more than seven years ago, so neither of his two children could recall seeing him with a shaven pate.
That didn’t stop Wampler’s wife Katie from stopping for a family photo before he took his turn in the chair.
“He’s not an attractive bald man,” she confided.
However, she was willing to overlook his temporary lack of follicles for his other redeeming qualities.
“He just can’t pass up a good cause,” she said.
Wampler is the KPD’s school resource officer assigned to Whiteaker Middle School.
Officer Jeremie Fletcher, of the KPD patrol division, joined the other officers who got their heads shaved during the event. The department’s chaplain Todd Pynch participated as well.
The event raised about $11,000 for the hospital.
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