On a cold February morning, the Edmond Police Department (EPD) and staff of Santa Fe high school prepared for their long awaited polar plunge. Multiple teams-many dressed up in costume-geared up to take a dip in the cold pool at Hurricane Harbor in Oklahoma City.
Though the plunge was the main event, there were many other fun activities to do as well. There was a DJ and dancing, as well as a costume contest. A coffee truck was in attendance to warm up cold participants after the icy plunge.
When speaking with EPD’s Deputy Chief Brian Jennings who works with law enforcements’ Torch Run, which helps raise awareness and funds for the Special Olympics. Deputy Chief Jennings has been working on this event for 10 years and also takes the plunge yearly.
“The athletes inspire us, and because they have such big hearts and they always have smiles on their faces,” Deputy Chief Miller said. “When you go out there and interact with them you can’t help but fall in love with them. We just want to come out here and support them.”
Santa Fe’s own School Resource Officer Miller was also one of the plungers along with other faculty and friends of Santa Fe. Santa Fe won the Top Fundraising award “Cool School” in its first year of participating, raising $3420.
“I was already pretty cold and didn’t know how it could get much worse.” Officer Miller said. “I wasn’t ready for how cold the water was.” “But overall it was a great experience. It is an easy event to take a couple of hours out of a Saturday morning to be a part of raising money for the Special Olympics. Sure, the water is really cold but it is worth it in the end.”
