The Acton Police Department partnered with The Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) to host the second annual Polar Plunge at NARA Park on a sunny, but nippy, Saturday, February 3. At last year’s inaugural event, plungers supported Special Olympics by running into the lake at NARA beach. This year, because the lake is frozen, a “Bear Force One” mobile plunge tank was brought in. Traveling to various schools, breweries and businesses in MA, the Bear Force One has assisted similar plunges around the state.
LETR is an international partnership between law enforcement personnel and Special Olympics, a year-round fundraising and awareness-building program. According to the Special Olympics MA website, it was designed to “empower members of the law enforcement community to support Special Olympics athletes who live, work, and compete in their local communities.” The Massachusetts chapter of the organization set a goal to raise $1 million, and Saturday’s Polar Plunge brought in $21K from the participating teams and individuals.
Awards were given to Westford Academy Student Council, the Top Fundraising Team, for raising $3000. Susan Guzman won the award for Top Fundraising Individual by raising $900. Guzman also won the Best Costume award for showing up dressed as Elsa from the animated film “Frozen.” She did lose her wig during her plunge, but the safety diver standing by in the tank was able to return it to her. Other participating organizations were the Hard Chargers Motorcycle Club, a motorcycle club for corrections officers and their families, local service organization Acton Lions Club, and Woodshed Strength and Conditioning, a personal training gym based in Littleton.
