Sumter deputies growing beards for a good cause

SUMTER, S.C. (AP) — Sumter County deputies might be looking a little hairy, but it’s for a good cause.

For the next two months, participating deputies can, for a fee, grow their facial hair in support of the Charlie Kubala Memorial Trust.

Local law enforcement created the nonprofit in 1996 shortly after Sgt. Charlie Kubala died on duty. He was a 13-year veteran of the sheriff’s office.

The charity was initially created to help the deputy’s children. It’s grown to help children and spouses of area law officers killed in the line of duty. It also provides several scholarships annually to local high school students.

The razors come back out on Oct. 12, the same day as the 20th annual Charlie Kubala Memorial Golf Tournament. This year, about 300 golfers are expected to participate.