That support was made more evident after more than 30 members of the department, including the chief and captains, shaved their heads last week. Money raised in a collection was given to the officer, while other fundraising efforts are in the works.

“We talked to other union members and asked how can we support him and show solidarity in the department, and that’s what we decided,” Lt. Sam Piazza said of the decision to take clippers to the heads of dozens of officers.

Piazza, who is also president of the Kendall Club Police Benevolent Association, said it was “fantastic” to see so many officers showing support for a stricken member of the police department.

“We had an overwhelming show of support to him,” he said of last week’s gesture. “The chief did it, all the captains and even some of the female officers.”

Dozens of officers with the Jamestown Police Department had their heads shaved last week to support an officer battling cancer. Submitted photos

On Monday, Piazza joked, “We’re getting pretty good at cutting hair.”

Photographs of officers getting their hair cut posted to the Jamestown Police Department’s Facebook page on Saturday was widely shared. The post included the following message:

“While walking this Earth, everyone you meet or come into contact with is facing a battle that you will likely never know about, understand, or experience. In the event that you do know about their battle, you may never know exactly what it is like for them.

“There are many reasons for not having hair on your head. It could be a personal preference, a fashion statement, genetics, hormonal changes, a medical condition, alopecia, grooming, or just a part of getting older. Another reason is chemotherapy.

“If you live in or visit Jamestown and have the opportunity to see, meet, or talk to a Jamestown Police Officer — you may notice many of us currently have our heads shaved. That’s because one of our own is currently fighting one of those battles that many of us will never experience — cancer. And although we may never truly understand what it is like — cancer is a battle that no one should ever have to fight alone.

“You should tell people how important they are to you. Always.”

Piazza said a pair of end tables will be raffled off during a bowling tournament Saturday, April 23, at Jamestown Bowling Co. Money raised during the event will be donated to the police officer.

“You just never know what tomorrow will bring,” Piazza said. “Anything to help another brother or sister, that’s what we’re here for.”