PORT TOWNSEND — The East Jefferson Fire-Rescue crew has become one big, bald-headed family.
In support of a staff member who is undergoing cancer treatment, more than 25 fire department members shaved their heads last week.
Cherie Yarberry, who has worked as a department finance clerk since 2006, was diagnosed with breast cancer in February and is now working part-time.
She is undergoing chemotherapy, which causes patients to lose their hair.
On Wednesday, the department held a potluck dinner at station 1-5 on Critter Lane in Port Townsend and began shaving heads.
While they went under the razor, family members and Yarberry watched.
“This was a very emotional situation,” Yarberry said. “I felt supported, and loved.”
After the shaving, 21 members of the EFJR extended family — including one woman and three children — posed for a group picture.
Yarberry posed for the photograph with her natural hair, but had her head shaved afterward.
She is expected to lose her hair during cancer treatment and “wanted to do it on her own terms,” a colleague said.
She now wears a wig at work.
Department spokesman Ed Beezely, who is naturally bald, took the photograph.
Also missing from the group photo is Chief Ted Krysinski, who participated in the shaving but had to leave before it was taken.
Chief Gordon Pomeroy, who did not shave his head, also is not in the picture.
“I am going to a conference next week and didn’t think it was appropriate to show up with a shaved head,” Pomeroy said. “But I have been bald before.”
Yarberry said she was overwhelmed by the show of support.
“I feel so fortunate to be a part of this wonderful family,” she said.
“They are busy providing service to the community, but never forget to take care of their own.”
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Jefferson County Reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
