MEXICO — Town firefighters and others have raised over $4,000 to help the family of the late Fire Chief Gary Wentzell pay medical bills.

Twenty-two people gathered at the fire station Saturday, donned capes bearing the words “Wentzell Strong” and had their heads shaved, or hair trimmed or beard removed.

Doing the honors were four stylists from Ta-Dah Hairstyling Studio of Mexico.

Some 50 people watched, many taking photos and videos of the event.

When it was over, Ta-Dah owner Tammy Schmersal shaped the cuttings and trimmings into a heart and placed it next to the beloved chief’s turnout gear in front of the styling chairs.

Wentzell, 69, died of cancer Jan. 8 at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. He served as chief of the Mexico Fire Department for 25 years.

Firefighters attended Wentzell’s public funeral on Sunday.

bfarrin@sunmediagroup.net