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VCU Police honor longtime Richmond barber Howard Adams

Posted at 2:06 PM, May 15, 2015
and last updated 2015-05-15 14:19:32-04

RICHMOND, Va. — The Virginia Commonwealth University police department gave thanks to a man who has served them for nearly 60 years.

On Thursday afternoon, VCU Police chiefs, officers, staff and 40th Academy recruits stopped by Adams Barber Shop to celebrate Howard Adams’ work. They brought him two cakes – one to celebrate in the shop and one for Adams to take home for his wife.

“I’m going to cut some hair, then eat some cake,” Adams said before seating a customer. The man in the chair had been visiting for about a year, but another customer waiting for a cut said he’d been visiting for 34 years.

VCU Police Chief John Venuti invited customers to join the impromptu celebration.  “Want a piece of cake?” Venuti said to one man. “It’s Mr. Adams’ 57th anniversary on Broad Street – have a piece of cake.”

Adams Barber Shop, with classic chairs and vintage signage out front, is a go-to location for police, fire and EMS workers in the city to stop in for haircuts. It’s typically open 12 hours a day to accommodate the schedules of emergency service personnel.  The shop has been on Broad Street for 57 years.

VCU Police officers routinely visit the shop for haircuts and Venuti is focused on increasing collaboration and communications with local businesses.  This is the second year VCUPD has acknowledged Mr. Adams’ long legacy in the city.