Seven Branford Firefighters to Get "Buzzed" for St. Baldrick's

Seven members of the Branford Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 2533 are going beyond the regular calls for help on March 1 as they will have their heads shaved to support the St. Baldrick's Foundation. 

Firefighter/paramedic John Cudgma Jr. is the team captain and will be joined by Captain Mike Stackpole, Captain Tim Judd, Firefighter/paramedic Jeff O'Connor, Firefighter/paramedic Craig O'Rourke, Firefighter/paramedic John A. Cudgma and probationary firefighter John Coughlin.

The group will have their locks buzzed because, according to St. Baldrick's website, "kids with cancer often lose their hair during treatment, and we stand proudly bald beside them. But the true goal–to cure childhood cancer–will be accomplished because, while shaving, we raise funds for lifesaving childhood cancer research."

The team has set a fundraising goal of $1,000 and has currently raised almost $300. Many local fire departments are participating in the March 1 event, tentatively scheduled to be held at O'Toole's Irish Bar in New Haven.

"We got a little bit of a late start, but we're hoping to hit our goal," said Cudgma. "It's not a competition, but Guilford [Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 4177] challenged us to raise more than them."

So far, Guilford has raised $780. To help the Branford firefighters reach their goal, visit their team page. You can donate to the team as a whole or to an individual. 

"It's a good cause and raises a lot of money for the kids," said Cudgma.