The $500 haircut
By Nathan Straus News Reporter

Jacob Lehman before the hair cut

What started out as an argument about hair styles ended in Chandler Police Explorer Jacob Lehman's head being shaved down to stubble. The 15-year-old Explorer lieutenant went into Jack's Barber Shop of Chandler around 5 pm Thursday, October 25, in answer to a fulfilled Explorer unit bet.

Jacob Lehman, in an at- tempt to inspire his unit, bet the unit of around 10 Explorers they couldn't raise $500 before the Chandler Pow Wow on October 13. Through asking for donations, the explorers succeeded, and the money will be used to buy the Explorers uniforms. The donations were solicited from individuals and businesses.

As he climbed into the chair some of his friends from the Explorers came to watch, as Jacob is described as loving his hair more than his own life, Lehman said.

"Next time, I'm going to make them raise more money," Lehman also said.

Megan Rogers, chief of the Explorers, said the money was raised in the span of a month and a half.

Lehman said he agreed to the haircut only because it would ultimately benefit the Explorers.

Jacob Lehman after the hair cut

"It's the only reason I'm not running," Lehman said.

James Lehman, Jacob's father, said the haircut was one final donation to the Explorer's belt, being performed for free by Jack Moore, though the first cut was made by an Explorer.

"We look alike now," James Lehman said.

The Chandler Police Explorers is a division of the Boy Scouts of America. The program was started by Chandler Police Chief Ron Reeves because of a desire to do something with the youth.

"They're trained in the same way as a police officer," James Lehman said. They come with us out on our patrols."

The program is meant for youth ages 14 to 21, and the Explorers will train with everything a full police officer trains with, including weaponry and body armor. However, the Explorers are not allowed to carry weapons around.

Jacob Lehman is currently the youngest member of the Explorers. His rank of lieutenant makes him the second in command of the unit.