This year, in a display of solidarity, philanthropy or just plain wackiness, University Police members will once again jump into a chilly lake — in early February.
But it’s for a good cause. It’s just one of the ways the police help raise funds for the Special Olympics.
“We also sell T-shirts and hats and participate in the Torch Run each year,” said Wendy Oloteo, information and evidence assistant in the WUSTL Police Department.
One hundred percent of the proceeds raised in Missouri are allocated to the 13,960 people who participate in the state’s Special Olympics. Last year, the WUSTL group raised $1,426 and hopes to exceed that total this year.
The second annual Polar Bear Plunge will be at 2 p.m. Feb. 5 at Lake Saint Louis. Registration for the event starts at noon.
At least six members of the University Police will try to equal last year’s showing of the WUSTL contingent, which won the Golden Plunger award for the best costume — a chain gang, complete with striped jumpsuits and balls and chains around their ankles.
This year, they are dressing as “Copsicles” — different flavors of Popsicles.
This year’s event is sponsored by the Missouri Law Enforcement Torch Run, the Missouri Police Chiefs Association, Shop ‘n Save and 101.1 FM The River.