Freezin' for a reason: Law enforcement officers take a polar plunge

On the beach at Sunshine Camp, the air was bitter enough to see your breath.

Dozens of uniformed police officers, cadets, wildlife officers, prison guards, and campus security officers were there to take the polar plunge to charge into the frigid waterhollering, screaming and squealing to take a neck-deep dip.

• Chilly November polar dip raises money for Special Olympians

The annual Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) and polar plunge raises money and awareness about the Special Olympics.

"It takes your breath away," said event director Lynette Wells, a campus enforcement officer whoalso braved the bone-chilling waters Sunday afternoon.

All about the athletes

"We have 650 (Special Olympics) athletes in the province, and it's events like this that help provide them with the training and the supportthey need for their programs," said Wells.

This was the second polar plunge for Royal Newfoundland Constabularycadet Adam Butt.

"It's for a great cause," he said. "To get out and show support of the Special Olympics athletes, I think it's fantastic."

"It's great to see all the different agencies out today supporting the cause."

The Law Enforcement Torch Run is an international event that started in Kansas and expandedacross the U.S. and Canada.

It's been an annual tradition for law enforcement personnel in this province for over 25 years.

The dollars raised this year were still being counted Sunday afternoon, but since its inception, the Torch Run has donated $1.5 million toSpecial Olympics programming.