Locals dive into Polar Plunge to benefit Special Olympics

Marysville police officers took a dive into cold waters on Feb. 26 and 27 as part of this year’s Polar Plunge to support the Special Olympics.

Many Marysville community members also took part in this year’s Polar Plunge in support of the cause.

The event is related to the police officer’s Torch Run that is held each year as well.

“This is an international effort of officers dedicated to raising funds for the Special Olympics,” said Marysville Police Chief Erik Scairpon.

Local officers take time to raise funds for the athletes in the event with the pledge to jump into a body of water during winter.

“We time the plunge every year to take place during one of the cold months,” said Scairpon.

Usually, most of the jumps across the nation are timed together.

“You have fun and jump in at the same time,” he said.

This year because of COVID individuals could do solitary events or dump some cold water on their head.

“I started doing a few of those individual events for our team,” said Scairpon, who also participated in the communal event.

He jumped in at Alki Beach when the water was about 46 degrees and the in Lake Stevens the next day when the water was about 40 degrees, he said.

“Puget Sound is cold year-round as people know,” said Scairpon. “You get yourself psyched up and then you jump in."

Local police officers often take part in the Special Olympics Torch Run and the Polar Plunge to raise money.

“We’ve been involved with the Polar Plunge for many years,” said Scairpon.

This year the north county team, which included officers from the Marysville, Lake Stevens and Everett police departments, raised a little more than $5,000.

In total, western Washington teams raised about $117,000.

Funds go to support the athletes and allow them to compete each year.

“The Special Olympics is a cause that is important to me,” said Scairpon. “It is an event that is universal in its appeal."

Special Olympics athletes have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic as the event has had to be canceled a couple times in a row due to safety reasons.

“They have had limited opportunities to participate in the Special Olympics over the last couple of years,” said Scairpon.

The event will return this year with a limited selection of the normal competitions.

“We’re just so excited for the athletes,” said Scairpon.