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Date: 3/22/2023
WESTFIELD — The Law Enforcement Torch Run Polar Plunge for Special Olympics on March 12 exceeded expectations in donations and signups, as more 35 teams of people raised funds and jumped into the frigid water at Hampton Ponds State Park in Westfield.
Officer Erica Ireland of the West Springfield Police Department, leader of the “Westside Copsicles,” organized the annual event. Participants included state Sen. John Velis, Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi, West Springfield Mayor William Reichelt and West Springfield Police Chief Paul Connor, as well as Recruit Officer Course Police Academy Director Michelle Lyons and all of the cadets.
Other participating teams included the Southwick Fire Department, Westfield Police Cadet team, Springfield Fire Department, West Springfield Police Department and West Springfield Fire Department, with support from ProAmpac, Smith & Wesson, Savage Arms and Red’s Towing, among other local businesses.
School teams also signed up, including Catherine’s Crew, a team of West Springfield fourth graders supporting a classmate with special needs.
All of the money raised will be donated to the Special Olympics through the Law Enforcement Torch Run. There are 11 polar plunges in Massachusetts for the Special Olympics, but this is the only one in Western Massachusetts.
Ireland said she will also organize a car show and RV pull called “Spin My Wheels” at West Springfield High School on May 21 to benefit the Special Olympics.