Firefighters from the city of Vernon shaved their heads Wednesday to raise money for childhood cancer research.

The firefighters organized the event in conjunction with St. Baldrick’s Foundation and the Los Angeles Police Department. St. Baldrick’s is a world-recognized organization that raises money for childhood cancer research grants.

“Everyone’s been touched and affected by cancer in some way, shape or form,” said Krystle Lisenby, St. Baldrick’s special events coordinator.

Fighting cancer is difficult, Lisenby said, but event’s like Vernon’s are “all in solidarity with the kids that are fighting cancer.”

Twenty-five firefighters shaved their heads during Wednesday’s event.

“This is a personal thing for me,” said Tom Egan, a Vernon firefighter.

Egan’s father and uncle both died from cancer. His niece had leukemia when she was younger and has been in remission for 15 years.

St. Baldrick’s has held over 850 events worldwide. The foundation has raised $17 million so far this year. St. Baldrick’s hopes to raise awareness of their organization in Southern California with Wednesday’s and other events.