Southington YMCA's 'Sloper Plunge' Saturday To Honor Fallen Hero

SOUTHINGTON, CT — Given the recent snow and ice storms that have dominated the local weather scene, Saturday seems to be the perfect day to jump in a frozen lake.

That's exactly what will happen at the 20th annual "Sloper Plunge" at the Southington Community YMCA's Sloper Pond on Saturday, Feb. 22.

At 1 p.m., YMCA officials, staff members, and a litany of community volunteers will jump in the icy waters at Camp Sloper, a summer camp located at 1000 East St.

But this year, one very special team will be jumping in to honor one of Southington's native sons who died in the line of duty as a state trooper last year.

Their objective is to raise money for camp scholarships, aiming to ensure that those who want to attend camp this summer can.

Of note this year is one team of plungers diving into the water in memory of a fallen state trooper from Southington who was killed in the line of duty last year.

" Pelletier's Plungers" are the 2025 feature team for the event, honoring the memory of Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier, a Southington native/resident who was struck and killed by an impaired motorist on May 30, 2024.

His widow is one of those slated to jump in, according to the YMCA.

"Come watch as Pelletier's Plungers, led by their Team Captain Dominique Pelletier, brave the cold waters of Sloper Pond on February 22nd to raise money for camp scholarships," wrote the YMCA.

YMCA officials said the Pelletier family and the "Y" have forged a close relationship.

"Thanks to the generosity of many, the Y supported the Pelletier boys with camp and child care needs throughout the last year," wrote the YMCA.

"As a heartfelt thank you to the community for their kindness and support, Aaron's wife, Dominique Pelletier, will plunge in his honor."

"This effort will help raise money for other families in need of camp scholarships for the summer of 2025."

YMCA officials said Dominique Pelletier is "deeply grateful for the compassion shown by the entire Southington community, and she wishes to 'pay it forward' by braving the Sloper Plunge and supporting those who have helped her family through their most challenging days."

For more information on the 2025 Sloper Plunge and to donate, click on this link.

From June 5, 2024: 'Fallen Trooper Laid To Rest Amid Outpouring Of Emotion'