On Saturday, February 2, Polar Plunge participants dove into frigid waters, freezing for a reason! Funds raised through the plunge benefitted the Arkansas Special Olympics.
The team “Peacemakers and Educators” consisted of Sebastian County deputies, dispatchers, a nursing student, a Fort Smith Police Officer and a Fort Smith Public School Assistant Superintendent.
“We’ve been active partners in Special Olympics Arkansas for three years,” stated long time participant SCSO deputy Mike Burcham. “Our team grows in numbers each year. The majority of our plungers are deputy’s from the Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Runion and Chief Deputy Nickson are super supportive of this charity and they allow me the time needed to coordinate our efforts, such as forming teams and fundraising.”
His team raised $1,400 this year. Overall fundraising from all teams totaled $8,000.
Burcham said the water temp was a chilly 34 degrees and that he was subject to what he jokingly called a “pool safety violation,” after being pushed into the water by another participant. Burcham vowed that paybacks were coming!
Fun fundraising, and a worthy cause! A special thanks to Burcham, his team and to all who participated!
