Calgarians invited to watch law enforcement freeze ‘em for a reason

Calgary area law enforcement and citizens alike are gearing up to freeze ‘em for a reason this Sunday, Feb. 28, 2016, at the Polar Plunge presented by the Alberta Law Enforcement Torch Run.

For the fourth year in a row, local law enforcement officers are plunging into the icy waters of Arbour Lake to raise money for Special Olympics Alberta. This year, organizers are pleased to have more than tripled the amount of plunges in Calgary than in 2015, and recruited more law enforcement teams than ever before. So far in 2016, plungers in Calgary have raised almost $35,000 to bring the provincial total over $90,000.

Among the plungers will be representatives from Alberta Fish and Wildlife and Enforcement Branch, Alberta Sheriffs, Calgary Police Service, Calgary Transit Public Safety & Enforcement, Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Branch, Alberta Correctional Services, and RCMP as well as MLA Calgary-Hawkwood Michael Connolly. Justice Minister & Solicitor General Kathleen Ganley will also be on hand to deliver remarks and show her support for the Polar Plunge.

In a friendly rivalry, one CPS recruit class challenged Chief Constable Roger Chaffin to take the plunge if they successfully fundraised $10,000. Determined to see the Chief Constable freeze ‘em for a reason, the recruit class raised more than $10,000 in under three weeks. In response, Chief Constable Roger Chaffin, Deputy Chief Paul Cook, Deputy Chief Trevor Daroux and Deputy Chief Bob Ritchie will all be taking the Polar Plunge.

As well, this will be the third Polar Plunge this year for Correctional Peace Officer Jeff Giroux from the Calgary Remand Centre, who has already participated in the 2016 Edmonton and Lethbridge events.

All Calgarians are encouraged to come out and support the event, or even take a last minute plunge! With the 2016 theme being ‘Winter Carnival,’ activities will be set up for the whole family including games, cotton candy and a photo booth. For more information or to register for the plunge, visit www.alberta.polarplunge.ca.