A pair of Culver City firefighters submit to head-shaving last week, as part of a fundraiser to benefit two colleagues, one who has battled breast cancer, and another fighting melanoma. (Photo by Gary McCarthy)
Story Created:
Jan 27, 2010 at 4:02 PM PST
Story Updated:
Jan 27, 2010 at 4:02 PM PST
It may not be the type of teamwork they are accustomed to, but Culver City firefighters banded together Jan. 21 to shave their heads for a fundraiser benefiting two of their own who have battled cancer.
Nearly half of the Culver City Fire Department volunteered to sit in a barber’s chair at Joxer Daly’s Irish Pub, as patrons made donations on behalf of all those who sacrificed their hair.
The money was being raised for department employees Alice Wulfekuhl, who recently recovered from a bout with breast cancer; and Steve Rankin, who is still battling melanoma.
Recently retired fire chief Jeff Eastman was among the participants, saying his friendship with his former staff didn’t end on his last day on the job.
During his last few months as chief, Eastman often referred to the department as a brotherhood, and said the fundraiser was further evidence of his view.
“It’s great to see all of the firefighters rally around their own and be here in support of their team members,” he said.
As he prepared for the shave, Eastman did note one personal shortcoming.
“I don’t have much to shave off,” he joked. “This is easy for me, it’s going to be really difficult for some of these really good looking guys.”
Firefighter Tim Carr said shaving his own head is the closest he can get to experiencing what Wulfekuhl and Ranking are going through right now.
“This shows the camaraderie and the team atmosphere of a fire department,” he said. “Everybody gathering together to show support for the people who are going through this battle right now.”
Rankin was not able to witness the event because he is currently undergoing treatment, but Wulfekuhl did attend.
She has been an associate analyst with the fire department for the past 15 years and was diagnosed with breast cancer last January.
She spent most of 2009 undergoing treatment and returned to work a short time ago.
“You know, it’s very touching to have so many people care so much, it’s like a family,” said Wulfekuhl. “They’re like my brothers and sisters, and it does so much for my heart and spirit and my healing.”
Rankin’s daughters, Megan and Jordan, were also at the fundraiser and thanked everyone for their support.
“[The fire department] is always behind us, we can count on them for anything,” said 13-year-old Megan Rankin, who shaved her own head the day before. “I think if anybody is going to look at me weird, I’ll pass it off, because I know I did it for the right reason. Hopefully people would look at this as an inspirational thing and not a weird thing.”
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