Chicago police hold annual free back-to-school haircut event

CHICAGO (WLS) -- More than 250 CPS students got a free haircut, along with school supplies and a lunch, on Sunday as part of an annual back-to-school event sponsored by the Chicago Police Department.

The CPD's 6th District community policing office held its fifth annual back-to-school haircut event to help kids prepare for their first day of school on Tuesday.

The event was held at the 6th District police station and drew families that have been at the event in past years.

For some first-timers, it was quite emotional.

"I almost cried," said dad Fredrick Vincent. "I didn't want to see my son get his hair cut."

His son, Zion Vincent, 3, got his first haircut on Sunday.

The event aims to help families in need, but also to reconnect with them and establish relationships with the community.

"The message is not only to send short-term solutions but we want to let the kids know that we want to build relationships that last a long time,' said Sgt. Ernest Spradley.

The barbers -- some of them police officers themselves -- all donate their time and services to the young clients.