By Erin Freeman | Lynnwood Times Staff

Mukilteo, Wash.- Nic’s Barbershop teamed up with the Mukilteo Police Department for the second annual Cuts with Cops, an event spearheaded by Cheri Nicolopoulos (Nic) to support Men’s Health Awareness month.

On Saturday, November 7, community members came in for scheduled haircuts at Nic’s Barbershop, except they had not booked with a barber, but rather a police officer.

“I cannot believe people let us cut their hair,” said Sergeant Colt Davis. “They are trusting us, which is awesome, and it prompts some great conversations… it’s fun.”

Cuts with Cops began in November of 2019 as a way for the community to come together to show support and spread awareness about prostate cancer and the importance of being screened.

“Prostate cancer is that silent illness that affects a lot of men,” said Police Chief Cheol Kang. “Oftentimes we’re reluctant to go get our checkups so we want to encourage people to be aware of being screened.”

Nic herself says that she recognized she was ill-informed about the health issues and risks her male clients face. Learning about the Mukilteo Police Department’s own internal support for prostate cancer awareness through participation in the Movember campaign, she teamed up with them to co-host an event for the entire community.

“I own a mens barbershop and I wasn’t educated on men,” said Nic. “I realized I am a woman and I cut mens hair so I should educate myself.”

Andrew Brewer, a long-time customer at Nic’s Barbershop, brought his two young sons to get their haircut by law enforcement members. His youngest was the most excited out of the three of them, says Brewer, dressing up in a SWAT team costume for the appointment.

“Nic has a fantastic relationship with the Mukilteo Police Department as well as the surrounding community,” commented Brewer.

A portion of proceeds accumulated from Saturday’s haircuts will be donated to cancer research, said Nic’s husband Jesse Nicolopoulos. “This event is such a great way to bring people together for a great cause,” said Nicolopoulos.