ADC takes the plunge in Tempe

 

 

March 16, 2012

 

The 2nd Annual Tempe Polar Plunge, hosted by the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) for Special Olympics Arizona (SOA), was on Jan. 28 at the ASU Student Recreation Center. Dozens of participants, including several Arizona Department of Corrections staff, turned out in costume to participate in the "Freezin' For A Reason" event.

After showing off their costumes, it was time to display their fortitude. Coolers of ice were dumped into the pool and participants jumped in to raise money for LETR.

Representing the Department were CO II John Risch as "The Joker", EO Coordinator Eric Abt as "Clark Kent/Superman", CO IV Wendy Eccles and her husband, who came as "Super Grandma and Super Grandpa", CO II Anna Heaton as “Bat Woman” and AA III Daniel Hallahan.

The mission of the Arizona LETR is to raise funds for, and awareness of Special Olympics statewide. SOA serves over 10,600 athletes through a network of volunteers.

 

 

Eric Abt and John Risch with the Polar Plunge Bear

Ruth Sanchez, John Risch and Anna Heaton

The participants lined up along the pool edge to show off their costumes

The participants lined up along the pool edge to show off their costumes

The participants lined up along the pool edge to show off their costumes

The ice is dumped….

AA III Danielle Hallahan is one of the first to take the plunge

Eric Abt is joined by two other participants

John Risch makes his way to the pool edge after diving in

The Eccles family jumps in together

Anna Heaton braves the icy water

Front Row, Heather Owens, CO IV Wendy Eccles, Natasha Davis, CO II Anna Heaton, ASPC-Florence and Athlete Jeff. Back Row, Equal Opportunity Coordinator Eric Abt, AA III Danielle Hallahan, Pinal County Sheriff DO Darin Eccles and CO II John Risch

Danielle Hallahan won a trophy for being part of the Third Highest Fundraising Team

John Risch won a trophy for best costume

Eric Abt and John Risch with the Polar Plunge Bear