Chicago Heights Police Raise Thousands of Dollars to help Special Olympics

Saturday, it wasn’t only the sun melting Manteno Lake but the warm hearts of police officers and firefighters.

Hundreds of first responders took the Polar Plunge at Manteno Sportsmen’s Club to support Special Olympics. Some walked in the water holding the hand of an Olympian who wanted to join them in the cold lake.

Jillian Angell, from Chicago Heights was one who joined Chicago Heights Police officers and other city employees in Manteno Lake jumped in wearing the shirt of one of the officers.

“I like it, I love it, it’s fun,” said the 17-year-old Olympian. After years of participating, Jillian’s older sister Samantha decided to take the plunge for the first time. “I finally agreed to jump in with her,” said Samantha. ”I’m a little cold but happy to raise money for Special Olympics. It’s exciting to see my sister play so many sports as well as all the other kids. It puts a smile on my face.”

One of Chicago Heights finest Detective David Basile has taken part of the Polar Plunge for years. “We love doing this and raising thousands of dollars. We’re donating our time and money for a good cause.”

Pointing to Detective Ryan Fitzgibbons, Basile and the other Chicago Heights officers give credit to her for the time put in this year.

“Fitzgibbons did a lot of hard work to get us here,” said Basile. “ We still want to continue to give a good donation to Special Olympics.”

As members of Chicago Heights Police waited in line, hundreds of first responders jumped in the chilly waters of Manteno Lake. Some dressed as penguins, some as minions and others in nothing but a tutu braved the cold, all in the name to help the Special Olympics.

According to Chicago Heights Detective Ryan Fitzgibbons, over $7600 was donated from Chicago Heights. If you would like to donate, please click the link below. Donations are being taken until April 30th. Click here to contribute.