But January 26th was no typical day on the lake. The coolest citizens of Edmonton ignited the wave of provincial plunges at the 9th Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) Polar Plunge.
The Edmonton Police Service had several brave plungers in attendance, including Chief Dale McFee, Deputy Chief Kevin Brezinski, recruits from RTC 147 and 148 along with their training officers, and Edmonton Police Association President, Mike Elliott.
After warming up in the hot tub and drying off, many participants and their support crews stayed for the park, ice hockey, skating, and of course the hot food and drinks! Thank you to all the official sponsors, the many volunteers, cadets, and partners who made Edmonton’s plunge a success.
In fact, it was more than a success… thanks to the nearly 200 plungers in Edmonton, we took a $60,000 chunk out of the $250,000 province-wide goal!
Top Plungers in Edmonton:
- Top Fundraiser Team: Team University of Alberta ($1899.59)
- Top Corporate Team: Ice Ice Babies ($13,395)
- Top Law Enforcement Team: EPS’ Polar Express of the Police ($5155)
- Top Special Olympic Athlete: Justin Sitler ($1750)
- Top Law Enforcement Member: Mike Elliott ($1685)
- Top Individual Fundraiser: Former Olympian, Schoena Strudwick ($2530)
The fundraising bar has been set high by our city, so we’ll see how the rest of Alberta does. Lethbridge jumps next on February 1, followed by Calgary on February 22, Red Deer on February 29, and Medicine Hat gets to plunge in the spring on March 14. We wish all upcoming plungers warm weather for their event and we thank each citizen for freezing with us.
“As the Edmonton Police Service’s official charity, we continue to enjoy the events the LETR hosts throughout the year. They are always unique and collaborative between law enforcement, Special Olympics athletes, and our citizens,” said Deputy Chief Kevin Brezinski. “What better way to bring awareness and show support than taking a breath-taking plunge together?”
The Law Enforcement Torch Run’s events are successful because of the brave citizens of Edmonton who join law enforcement officers like us in these wacky, but memorable fundraisers. We all take part to give back and provide more opportunities to the outstanding Special Olympics athletes who represent our province in ways we cannot imagine.
If you missed out this year, or weren’t sure if you could handle the cold, don’t worry, we’ll be back again next year.