Portage County Fire Departments Launch Mustache Fundraiser

Local firefighters compete in 'Battle of the 'Staches' to benefit regional burn fund

Apr. 1, 2026 at 10:22am

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Six fire departments in Portage County, Wisconsin have teamed up for a new fundraising competition - a mustache contest where the public can vote for their favorite firefighter by donating $1. The 'Battle of the 'Staches' features firefighters and even fire chiefs from Stevens Point, Plover, Hull, Dewey, Amherst, and Stockton, with styles ranging from thick handlebars to 'works in progress.' All proceeds will go toward a regional burn fund supporting individuals and families affected by burn injuries.

Why it matters

This lighthearted fundraiser is a departure from the controversial 'beefcake' calendars the Stevens Point Fire Department had previously used as a charitable initiative. The new mustache contest aims to generate community engagement and support for an important cause in a more family-friendly way.

The details

Each of the six participating fire departments is entering firefighters, and in some cases their own chiefs, into the 'Battle of the 'Staches.' The public can vote for their favorite mustache by donating $1 per vote, with collection jars set up at fire stations and local businesses. The contest will wrap up with a public event where winners will be announced in categories like 'Best Overall Mustache,' 'Most Creative,' and 'Needs More Time.'

  • The fundraiser will run through the end of this month.
  • The public event to announce winners will take place later this month.

The players

Jb Moody

Stevens Point Fire Chief.

Mark Deaver

Plover Fire Chief.

Nick Proulx

Hull Fire Chief.

Victor Voss

Amherst Fire Chief.

Jeremy Stockton

Stockton Fire Chief.

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What they’re saying

“This is a much more family-friendly approach. And frankly, some of these guys shouldn't be trusted with a calendar anyway.”

— Jb Moody, Stevens Point Fire Chief

“I've seen what the other departments are working with. Let's just say Plover isn't worried.”

— Mark Deaver, Plover Fire Chief

“I'm not saying it's fake, but I'd like to see some documentation.”

— Nick Proulx, Hull Fire Chief

“We're just focusing on quality. Some departments are clearly going for quantity over... well, anything else.”

— Victor Voss, Amherst Fire Chief

“This isn't even a contest. We've already cleared space on the shelf for the trophy.”

— Jeremy Stockton, Stockton Fire Chief

What’s next

The public event to announce winners in the 'Battle of the 'Staches' will take place later this month.

The takeaway

This lighthearted mustache fundraiser represents a shift away from the controversial 'beefcake' calendars previously used by the Stevens Point Fire Department, aiming to engage the community in a more family-friendly way while still supporting an important cause.