Area Police Officers Take Polar Plunge Into Detroit River To Raise Money For Special Olympics

 

 

The day started bright and sunny, like any other Michigan winter day, but quickly turned unpredictable, cold and snowy. Time was ticking down; the bus was loaded and we ventured to the annual event on February16, the Polar Plunge. Fraternal Order of Police, F.O.P. Lodge #128, was on the ultimate mission, not to serve you or I, but an organization in need of support: the Michigan Special Olympics.

This year’s event co-chairs were F.O.P. Chairman, West Bloomfield Officer, Bob Stevens and Walled Lake business owner, Dale Uranis. This year F.O.P. Lodge #128 would have three officers taking the plunge into the Detroit River at Milliken State Park on the Detroit Riverfront. The Lakes Area Lodge officer plungers were Bob Stephens of the West Bloomfield Police Department, Joe Stephens of the Lathrup Village Police Department and Jeff Gomez of the Orchard Lake Police Department.

The F.O.P. Lodge #128 not only raised money for Michigan Special Olympics, they also wore special shirts in memory of West Bloomfield Officer Patrick O’Rourke who lost his life in the line of duty on September 9, 2012. This year’s plunge was dedicated in honor of Officer O’Rourke and his family. Members wore special event shirts with the back of the shirts displaying Officer O’Rourke’s name and badge number 55.

“The Lodge does many charity fundraisers, but, this event The Plunge for Special Olympics is our main event,” Co-chairs Bob Stephens and Dale Uranis said. “We love to help kids and children; it’s really rewarding and most of all the kids need the money.”

F.O.P. Lodge #128 raised over $2,500 at the plunge this year. Donations may be made until March 1 at Dales Custom Jewelry, 933 N. Pontiac Trail, Walled Lake (248) 669-4320. The F.O.P. Lodge #128 will proudly present a check to the Michigan Special Olympics on March 6.