Stem cell drive set to help Torrance officer

These guys are the fuzz in more ways than one.

Because, after Saturday, that is pretty much all they have left on their heads. 

To show support for officer Steve Kroesen, who lost his hair after being treated for Hodgkin's lymphoma last month, 150 Torrance police officers faced a gantlet of barbers and stylists, who quickly reduced their already short hair to stubble. 

"We pride ourselves on being a family," said officer Dave Crespin, who helped organize the event. "There are times in our career when an officer has fallen on tough times and we always come together." 

But even though the uniformed and civilian members of the force have rallied in the past, Saturday's turnout was more than Crespin anticipated. 

"This is one of the biggest united fronts I've seen in 27 1/2 years on the force," he said. 

Kroesen, who was diagnosed in early March, has been off work while receiving treatment. He thought he was returning to the station for a simple barbecue but was taken aback when hundreds of well-wishers greeted him with a standing ovation that lasted for several minutes. 

"The support is overwhelming," said the 31-year-old Torrance resident as he watched his comrades take their turns in the chairs. "There is so much support and unity out here." 

His wife, Jennifer, who was in on the surprise, was still shocked at how many people came to show their support. 

"It's way bigger than I ever imagined," she said. "I'm speechless." 

His mother, Judy Kroesen, cried softly as she saw how many people were so eager to show solidarity with her son. 

"It's awesome," she said. "I know my son is wonderful, but the love is amazing." 

Family members and colleagues snapped photos as the men had their locks shorn off. The hairdressers used No. 1 clippers, which meant many of the men saw the skin on the tops of their heads for the first time in years. 

"It feels cold," said Detective Jim Wallace as he ran his hand across his nearly bald scalp. 

But cold or not, Wallace said he would keep shaving his head until Kroesen's hair starts to grow back in. 

"I'm keeping it off until he gets better," Wallace said. 

While there was concern for Kroesen's health, the day was filled with levity as people laughed and took pictures of each other's new hairdos. 

And it just so happened that one of the hairdressers was Crespin's daughter, who relished the chance to shave her dad's head. 

"I've been waiting my whole life to do that," Jennifer Miller said. "It was the best feeling in the world." 

Although he still faces another round of therapy, Kroesen said he is eager to return to work. 

"I'd like to be back tomorrow," he said.