Law Enforcement Polar Plunge
to benefit Michigan Special Olympics

Feb 21, 2009 Detroit River

My heart was beating as fast as it was snowing Saturday morning.

The weather forecast was calling for 5 to 7 inches of snow, strong winds and a temperature around 20 degrees. And as I was getting dressed to dive into the Detroit River, all of this information kept running through my mind.

"Am I insane for doing this?" I muttered to myself.

When I arrived at the Detroit River to take the plunge with my teammate, Joe, it was obvious that the weatherman was off – the winds were blowing at a gale-like force and the temperature felt like 0 degrees. It was 100 percent pure arctic.

But we pressed on because of our support for the Michigan Special Olympics. We were going to do this thing and nobody was going to stop us.

We were determined.

With hundreds of supporters cheering us on, Joe and I looked at each other and then leaped into the ice-cold river. The shock of the water was numbing, but all worthwhile at the same time.

As I promised, here are some of the photos from my Polar Plunge. Thank you for your support in this effort to raise a little cash for the Michigan Special Olympics.

Thank You,

Tim Sampey
Byron Police Chief

Greeting us at the entrance of the jump was the Detroit Police Underwater Recovery Team. Hmm

The US Coast Guard broke the ice and was stationed in the water and around the jump site

My partner Joe Morin from FOP 188 and I in our swimwear. Joe was the villain that needed to be tasered. Everyone that jumped was in a unique costume. I saw Plungers dressed like Spartans, Fred Flintstone, The Village People and even a man dress like Cupid sporting only a diaper.

(To the right) Joe Morin and I at the beginning of the line to start the parade to the jump site. Behind us is the Detroit River. The river was frozen with very little open water.

Joe, do you think that is as cold as it looks?

We made it to the designated jump site and was ready to take the plunge.

We have splash down!

Yes, it is as cold as it looks.

After a brief swim, it was time to depart the river so others could enjoy the water.

Sorry Guys, I don't have time to chat, I thought I saw a hot tub in the parking lot

We had fun, love the cause and look forward to next years plunge..


	A community Web site dedicated to Byron, Michigan

Law Enforcement Polar Plunge to benefit Michigan Special Olympics

Law Enforcement Polar Plunge
to benefit Michigan Special Olympics