Oak Mountain State Park hosts Pelham Polar Plunge
Published 7:01 pm Wednesday, February 26, 2025
The Pelham Polar Plunge saw dozens of law enforcement officials dive into the icy waters of Oak Mountain State Park for a noble cause. (For the Reporter/Dawn Harrison)
The Pelham Polar Plunge saw dozens of law enforcement officials dive into the icy waters of Oak Mountain State Park for a noble cause. (For the Reporter/Dawn Harrison)
The Pelham Polar Plunge saw dozens of law enforcement officials dive into the icy waters of Oak Mountain State Park for a noble cause. (For the Reporter/Dawn Harrison)
The Pelham Polar Plunge saw dozens of law enforcement officials dive into the icy waters of Oak Mountain State Park for a noble cause. (For the Reporter/Dawn Harrison)
The Pelham Polar Plunge saw dozens of law enforcement officials dive into the icy waters of Oak Mountain State Park for a noble cause. (For the Reporter/Dawn Harrison)
The Pelham Polar Plunge saw dozens of law enforcement officials dive into the icy waters of Oak Mountain State Park for a noble cause. (For the Reporter/Dawn Harrison)
The Pelham Polar Plunge saw dozens of law enforcement officials dive into the icy waters of Oak Mountain State Park for a noble cause. (For the Reporter/Dawn Harrison)
The Pelham Polar Plunge saw dozens of law enforcement officials dive into the icy waters of Oak Mountain State Park for a noble cause. (For the Reporter/Dawn Harrison)
The Pelham Polar Plunge saw dozens of law enforcement officials dive into the icy waters of Oak Mountain State Park for a noble cause. (For the Reporter/Dawn Harrison)
The Pelham Polar Plunge saw dozens of law enforcement officials dive into the icy waters of Oak Mountain State Park for a noble cause. (For the Reporter/Dawn Harrison)
The Pelham Polar Plunge saw dozens of law enforcement officials dive into the icy waters of Oak Mountain State Park for a noble cause. (For the Reporter/Dawn Harrison)
The Pelham Polar Plunge saw dozens of law enforcement officials dive into the icy waters of Oak Mountain State Park for a noble cause. (For the Reporter/Dawn Harrison)
The Pelham Polar Plunge saw dozens of law enforcement officials dive into the icy waters of Oak Mountain State Park for a noble cause. (For the Reporter/Dawn Harrison)
The Pelham Polar Plunge saw dozens of law enforcement officials dive into the icy waters of Oak Mountain State Park for a noble cause. (For the Reporter/Dawn Harrison)
The Pelham Polar Plunge saw dozens of law enforcement officials dive into the icy waters of Oak Mountain State Park for a noble cause. (For the Reporter/Dawn Harrison)
The Pelham Polar Plunge saw dozens of law enforcement officials dive into the icy waters of Oak Mountain State Park for a noble cause. (For the Reporter/Dawn Harrison)
The Pelham Polar Plunge saw dozens of law enforcement officials dive into the icy waters of Oak Mountain State Park for a noble cause. (For the Reporter/Dawn Harrison)
The Pelham Polar Plunge saw dozens of law enforcement officials dive into the icy waters of Oak Mountain State Park for a noble cause. (For the Reporter/Dawn Harrison)
The Pelham Polar Plunge saw dozens of law enforcement officials dive into the icy waters of Oak Mountain State Park for a noble cause. (For the Reporter/Dawn Harrison)
The Pelham Polar Plunge saw dozens of law enforcement officials dive into the icy waters of Oak Mountain State Park for a noble cause. (For the Reporter/Dawn Harrison)
The Pelham Polar Plunge saw dozens of law enforcement officials dive into the icy waters of Oak Mountain State Park for a noble cause. (For the Reporter/Dawn Harrison)
The Pelham Polar Plunge saw dozens of law enforcement officials dive into the icy waters of Oak Mountain State Park for a noble cause. (For the Reporter/Dawn Harrison)
The Pelham Polar Plunge saw dozens of law enforcement officials dive into the icy waters of Oak Mountain State Park for a noble cause. (For the Reporter/Dawn Harrison)
The Pelham Polar Plunge saw dozens of law enforcement officials dive into the icy waters of Oak Mountain State Park for a noble cause. (For the Reporter/Dawn Harrison)
The Pelham Polar Plunge saw dozens of law enforcement officials dive into the icy waters of Oak Mountain State Park for a noble cause. (For the Reporter/Dawn Harrison)
The Pelham Polar Plunge saw dozens of law enforcement officials dive into the icy waters of Oak Mountain State Park for a noble cause. (For the Reporter/Dawn Harrison)
The Pelham Polar Plunge saw dozens of law enforcement officials dive into the icy waters of Oak Mountain State Park for a noble cause. (For the Reporter/Dawn Harrison)
The Pelham Polar Plunge saw dozens of law enforcement officials dive into the icy waters of Oak Mountain State Park for a noble cause. (For the Reporter/Dawn Harrison)
The Pelham Polar Plunge saw dozens of law enforcement officials dive into the icy waters of Oak Mountain State Park for a noble cause. (For the Reporter/Dawn Harrison)
The Pelham Polar Plunge saw dozens of law enforcement officials dive into the icy waters of Oak Mountain State Park for a noble cause. (For the Reporter/Dawn Harrison)
The Pelham Polar Plunge saw dozens of law enforcement officials dive into the icy waters of Oak Mountain State Park for a noble cause. (For the Reporter/Dawn Harrison)
The Pelham Polar Plunge saw dozens of law enforcement officials dive into the icy waters of Oak Mountain State Park for a noble cause. (For the Reporter/Dawn Harrison)
The Pelham Polar Plunge saw dozens of law enforcement officials dive into the icy waters of Oak Mountain State Park for a noble cause. (For the Reporter/Dawn Harrison)
The Pelham Polar Plunge saw dozens of law enforcement officials dive into the icy waters of Oak Mountain State Park for a noble cause. (For the Reporter/Dawn Harrison)
The Pelham Polar Plunge saw dozens of law enforcement officials dive into the icy waters of Oak Mountain State Park for a noble cause. (For the Reporter/Dawn Harrison)
The Pelham Polar Plunge saw dozens of law enforcement officials dive into the icy waters of Oak Mountain State Park for a noble cause. (For the Reporter/Dawn Harrison)
The Pelham Polar Plunge saw dozens of law enforcement officials dive into the icy waters of Oak Mountain State Park for a noble cause. (For the Reporter/Dawn Harrison)
The Pelham Polar Plunge saw dozens of law enforcement officials dive into the icy waters of Oak Mountain State Park for a noble cause. (For the Reporter/Dawn Harrison)
The Pelham Polar Plunge saw dozens of law enforcement officials dive into the icy waters of Oak Mountain State Park for a noble cause. (For the Reporter/Dawn Harrison)
The Pelham Polar Plunge saw dozens of law enforcement officials dive into the icy waters of Oak Mountain State Park for a noble cause. (For the Reporter/Dawn Harrison)
The Pelham Polar Plunge saw dozens of law enforcement officials dive into the icy waters of Oak Mountain State Park for a noble cause. (For the Reporter/Dawn Harrison)
The Pelham Polar Plunge saw dozens of law enforcement officials dive into the icy waters of Oak Mountain State Park for a noble cause. (For the Reporter/Dawn Harrison)
The Pelham Polar Plunge saw dozens of law enforcement officials dive into the icy waters of Oak Mountain State Park for a noble cause. (For the Reporter/Dawn Harrison)
The Pelham Polar Plunge saw dozens of law enforcement officials dive into the icy waters of Oak Mountain State Park for a noble cause. (For the Reporter/Dawn Harrison)
The Pelham Polar Plunge saw dozens of law enforcement officials dive into the icy waters of Oak Mountain State Park for a noble cause. (For the Reporter/Dawn Harrison)
The Pelham Polar Plunge saw dozens of law enforcement officials dive into the icy waters of Oak Mountain State Park for a noble cause. (For the Reporter/Dawn Harrison)
The Pelham Polar Plunge saw dozens of law enforcement officials dive into the icy waters of Oak Mountain State Park for a noble cause. (For the Reporter/Dawn Harrison)
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By DAVE DOMESCIK | Staff Writer
PELHAM – The water was chilly and spirits were high during the 14th annual Pelham Polar Plunge at Oak Mountain State Park on Saturday, Feb. 22.
Dozens of law enforcement officials braved the freezing waters to benefit Special Olympics athletes in the state of Alabama with $20,000 raised for the cause in this year’s installment of the event.
Bob Copus, the law enforcement liaison for Special Olympics Alabama, spoke on the importance of the event.
“We’re making a statement here that we care about our neighbors, that we care about the Special Olympics and all of the law enforcement here,” Copus said. “You see them in a whole different light when they’re out there in that water freezing.”
The event is a part of the Special Olympics’ Law Enforcement Torch Run campaign. The campaign serves as the largest grassroots funding movement for the Special Olympics. Ainsley Allison, the director of the event, spoke on the importance of collaboration to the event’s success.
“The collaboration (between Special Olympics Alabama and the Law Enforcement Torch Run) funds year-round athletic training and competitions for over 15,000 Special Olympics athletes in Alabama,” Allison said. “The Law Enforcement Torch Run provides visibility and advocacy, while the Pelham Polar Plunge is just one fundraiser that ensures sustained financial support. Together, they empower athletes to reach their full potential.”
The Law Enforcement Torch Run has raised more than $1 billion for the Special Olympics since its inception. The Pelham Polar Plunge is one of the largest fundraisers in the state for the cause. Allison explained how the funds from the event contribute to Special Olympics Alabama.
“Funds raised provide resources for training, equipment and competition opportunities,” Allison said. “For athletes in Pelham and beyond, the Pelham Polar Plunge offers a chance to grow, compete and experience the joy of sports, fostering confidence and community.”
Allison also spoke on the importance of the assistance from Publix, the event’s premiere sponsor, in making the event a success.
“The driving force behind the growing success of the Pelham Polar Plunge is the unwavering commitment of Publix and its employees,” Allison said. “They embrace this event as an opportunity for team building while making a meaningful impact in the community. With Special Olympics as a cornerstone of Publix’s corporate social responsibility efforts, this partnership is a perfect fit—bringing together generosity, camaraderie, and a shared dedication to making a difference.”
Publix is not the only organization that helps make the Pelham Polar Plunge possible, according to Allison. The event’s many corporate donors help fuel the event’s goals of benefiting Special Olympics Alabama.
“Organizations such as America’s First Federal Credit Union, Kirkland Wrecker, Wheeler Wrecker, Alabama Power, Alabama Water Utilities, Vulcan Threaded and Southeastern Construction Partners all play a crucial role in making the Polar Plunge possible,” Allison said. “Their dedication to giving back strengthens our community and ensures that Special Olympics athletes continue to thrive.”
Allison gave comment on the communal aspect of the Polar Plunge, believing it is a unique event that brings dozens together under the banner of supporting a great cause.
“The Pelham Polar Plunge brings together residents, local law enforcement and athletes to celebrate unity and inclusion,” Allison said. “It highlights Pelham’s commitment to fostering a supportive and compassionate community.”
David Hyche, the Chief of Police for Calera PD, has a deep reverence for the event considering his daughter is involved with Special Olympics Alabama.
“It’s especially meaningful to me because my daughter is a Special (Olympics) athlete,” Hyche said. “She’s blind and autistic, and she competed several years in (the) Special Olympics right here in Shelby County, so it really has a place in my heart.”
Despite the overwhelming success of the event, Allison still believes there is room for growth.
“We’re seeing exciting growth in participation from local law enforcement agencies, and we challenge more departments to take the plunge with us,” Allison said. “Agencies like Bessemer PD, Calera PD, the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, Vestavia Hills Police Department and Irondale Police Department have already stepped up in support of this great cause. We encourage other departments to join the fun next year.”
As dozens swarmed into the cold waters of Double Oak Lake, it was more than just a rush to the senses. It was a noble act that raised awareness for an important cause.
“By taking the plunge, participants demonstrate their commitment to acceptance, inclusion and the belief that everyone deserves the chance to shine,” Allison said.
With their heads submerged beneath the icy depths, members of law enforcement across the state of Alabama helped ignite the fire of the Law Enforcement Torch Run and keep the spirit of the Special Olympics alive.
For more information on Special Olympics Alabama, visit Specialolympicsalabama.org.
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