75 Utans take polar plunge to raise money for Special Olympics
Cathy Allred - Daily Herald
Seventy-five people braved the 30-degree Utah Lake water Saturday afternoon and took the Polar Plunge to raise money for the Utah Special Olympics.
There was only one fatality, a digital camera dropped into the frigid water, and everyone made it out of the lake safely.
The hosts of the event, Saratoga Springs police, were able to raise more than $5,000 for the 2009 Special Olympics.
"This is our first Saratoga Springs Police Department Polar Plunge," Saratoga Springs Police Chief Gary Hicken said. "We have the perfect facility for it, we really do: six miles of shoreline."
SSPD Sgt. Kerry Cole organized the event. His team wore orange shirts with black lettering that spelled out "Cole." They were also able to spell out the world "cold," which they did just before the jump.
A chainsaw had to be used in preparation for the Polar Plunge, to cut out 16-inch thick ice blocks from the frozen lake using a loader to clear a 10- by 20-foot area of water at the Pelican Bay public marina unloading ramp.
Participants took turns jumping into the 6-foot deep icy water and got out quickly.
Police Chief Gary Hicken stood at the shore's edge offering wet jumpers a donut, and another officer wearing a dry thermal suit was standing in the water to help jumpers out of the lake if needed.
Utah Valley Desperados, a semi-pro football team based in Orem, took the chilly leap.
"We thought it was a great cause," team member Jeremy Williams said. "We thought why not?"
Seven team members made the plunge.
"It was fun, it really was," said Williams, laughing. "It was not bad, actually."
The U.S. Army was represented by SSG Tom Robertson and Sgt. Bryon Lennon of the 142nd Battalion.
"We got invited to set up the tent and humvee and stuff," Robertson said. "Well, we're here, we might as well jump in."
From T-shirts and ties to a colorful floral swim cap and striped socks, most plungers dressed with a flair for the occasion.
Hicken gave out awards for the best costume, most funds raised and for the first jumper. Best costume award went to Kyler Daybeel who dressed up as a blue shark. The first jumper was Frank Morgan, and Fred Reagh was able to raise the most funds, $800, for his jump.
"We appreciate [Reagh's] tenacity in getting people to donate," Hicken said.
He was awarded a "Super Plunger" jacket with the motto "Freezin' for a reason" printed on it.
"Thank you to the hundreds who are fund raising, and don't drown," said Bruce Maples, a global messenger for the Special Olympics events.
Polar Plunge winners
• Best costume: Kyler Daybell, a blue shark
• First jumper: Frank Morgan, Lake Mtn. 2nd Ward bishop
• Most donated: Fred Reagh, $800
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