Local law enforcement, hardy souls will take cold leap for good cause

An icy annual event will send more than 300 people into the cold water Saturday at Tacoma’s Owen Beach.

It’s for a fundraiser: The Waste Connections Special Olympics Washington Polar Plunge aims to raise $53,000 for people with intellectual disabilities in Washington.

Among the plungers are more than 50 local law enforcement officers leading the charge, including Pierce County sheriff’s spokesman Ed Troyer, Fircrest Police Chief John Cheesman and Ruston Police Chief Victor Celis.

“Washington’s Most Wanted” host David Rose will also participate.

“It’s a fun event. My favorite part is probably when you see the athletes down there – they talk and wear their medals,” Troyer said. “You can see how proud and happy they are.”

In Washington, law enforcement raises nearly $700,000 for Special Olympics Washington each year. They host several other events, including the annual Torch Run.

“We are always supporting Special Olympics,” Troyer said. “They do a great job with the kids, making sure they get to participate in sports.”

The Special Olympics Washington Polar Plunge Series started in Seattle in 2008, and now there are eight events statewide.

This is the third year a plunge will take place in Tacoma.

Last year, Tacoma’s plunge raised $50,000 of the roughly $500,000 statewide.

Dan Wartelle, vice president of communications for Special Olympics Washington, said partnering with law enforcement has made a huge impact.

“The law enforcement involvement is just instrumental,” Wartelle said. “Law enforcement in each of those eight communities is really the driving force.”

He said the money raised through these events helps Special Olympics reach more people. The organization currently works with about 14,500 athletes.

“Our goal is to reach into every corner of the state and make sure that people with intellectual disabilities have access to the services that Special Olympics has,” Wartelle said.

Each year the Tacoma Polar Plunge brings together vikings, pirates and more for the costume contest, plunge, free food and live music. This year’s event will feature Spike from Spike and the Impalers.

Those who are too “chicken” to dive in can register for the Chicken Coop. They pay, sit, drink warm coffee and get laughed at for being “chickens.”

“It’s all in good sport,” Wartelle said.

Anyone can join a team or go solo. Online registration for this plunge is now closed, but people can show up and register at the event.

Check in starts at 9 a.m. with an opening ceremony at 11 a.m., followed by a costume contest at 11:15 a.m. and the plunge itself at noon.

Afterward, there will be free Little Caesars pizza, Cutters Point Coffee and the Taco Time Traveler food truck.

There are also warming tents for people to heat themselves up after a dip in the water and places to change into dry clothing.

Vehicles and dive teams from local law enforcement offices will also make an appearance.

Each participant, chicken or not, must pay a $10 registration fee and gather $65 of pledges or donations.

Participants who raise at least $150 are entered to win a vacation in Maui. Fundraising is allowed to continue until April 15.

“Get cold for a bit and maybe you can get warm in Maui,” Wartelle said.

Troyer, who is helping lead the CrimeStoppers team, said the team that has raised the most money so far is called “The Niners Faithful,” a group of San Francisco 49ers fans.

“It’s a friendly competition. Everyone tries to see who can build the biggest teams and raise the most money,” Troyer said. “But in the end, we all know we’re working together for a great cause.”

Wartelle said it’s important to remember that as everyone takes the plunge, about 3,000 athletes across the state are preparing for the 2016 State Winter Games and another 7,000 are training for the spring season.

To those taking the plunge, Wartelle said, “I guarantee you’ll get cold but I also guarantee you’ll have fun.”

He said it’s always exciting to see everyone lined up on the beach, waiting in fear, anticipation and joy.

Learn more about the Polar Plunge at www.specialolympicswashington.org/polarplunge.

This story was originally published February 19, 2016 at 2:54 PM with the headline "Local law enforcement, hardy souls will take cold leap for good cause."