For River Grove police officer Rob Conway, participating in the 16th Annual Chicago Polar Plunge warmed his heart.
“Once we met the athletes and participants of the Special Olympics, we knew it was something we wanted to do every year,” he said.
Conway, along with other River Grove police officers and their friends and family, decided to take the plunge on March 6 at North Avenue Beach. The department was one of thousands of groups to raise money for Special Olympics Chicago.
“We raised $5,555 and our goal was $2,000,” River Grove police Lt. Keith Aller said. “The weather was a little warmer this year, but the water was 33 degrees.”
The group, calling themselves Frozen 5-0, had to walk into Lake Michigan and dunk their heads. Immediately afterwards, they were given towels and could go into the warming station. The 45-degree weather helped make the plunge more bearable compared to chillier temperatures in the past.
The Chicago Polar Plunge has always gained media attention, with celebrities including Lady Gaga, Vince Vaughn, Taylor Kinney and Jimmy Fallon participating in past years.
Special Olympics works with kids who have disabilities, encouraging them both physically and mentally in sports.
The River Grove Police Department has been taking the plunge for the past four years. Conway said they plan to do it again next year, hopefully with more plungers.
“It’s a great event for the athletes of the Special Olympics,” Conway said. “They’re great kids and they seem to love it, and we support it. It’s something we’ll do every year.”
Maryann Pisano is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
