Woodridge Police SUPER Plunge Team Raises $17,000 for Special Olympics

Photo courtesy of the Village of Woodridge Police Department: Woodridge Police Department Super Plunge Team – Officer Daniel McIntyre, Director of Public Works Chris Bethel, Delaney Bethel, Jess Begy, Officer Sean Murray, Officer Bob McKimson, and Deputy Chief Tom Stefanson.

Members of the Woodridge Police Department’s SUPER Plunge team raised more than $17,000 for Special Olympics by taking icy dips into Lake Michigan.

SUPER is an acronym for Some Unbelievable Plungers Enter Repeatedly. Volunteers raised donations before plunging into the lake Feb. 20 to 21 once an hour for 24 straight hours. This year’s event raised more than $200,000 for the cause, according to a news release.

“The Village has a very dedicated set of employees who work to serve the community every day,” said Mayor Gina Cunningham in a statement. “But those same employees regularly go above and beyond in trying to help others through numerous charitable and philanthropic activities. I’m proud of the Woodridge Police Department Team and their efforts with this most recent event to support Special Olympics Illinois.”

Team captain and police officer Daniel McIntyre coordinates several fundraisers within Woodridge to help raise awareness, funds and support for Special Olympics Illinois through the Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run, according to the release.

The Woodridge Police Department and McIntyre were recently recognized with the 2014 Flame of Hope Award by Special Olympics Illinois for the spirit, determination and dedication to the Torch Run.