MARYLAND, USA — Maryland first responders will put their duties on ice, to participate in the 2020 Police Plunge on Friday.
Police and sheriff departments across the state plan to continue the January tradition of raising money and dunking into the Chesapeake Bay, to support Maryland's 8,033 Special Olympics athletes.
Special Olympics Maryland is a year-round sports organization that provides sports training and competition opportunities to Maryland children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
Police will suit up and bear it all at Sandy Point State Park. The event begins at 10 a.m. and is scheduled to wrap up at 1 p.m.
Service dogs are allowed at the event, but plungers are asked not to dunk with their pups.
"Unfortunately, the only good boys that are allowed at Plunge are service dogs," the website said. "These service dogs are not allowed to Plunge in the water because of safety reasons. There are a lot of people plunging at the same time and we have this rule to ensure no Plunger or pooch gets hurt."
As of Thursday afternoon, law enforcement teams have raised $228,200, just shy of their $250,000 goal.
The top team contributors include the Baltimore County Police Department, Anne Arundel County Police, Maryland State Police Class 151, Anne Arundel County Office of the Sheriff and Prince George's County Police, who have raised a combined $96,918 ahead of the plunge.
Elaina Camacho, from Anne Arundel, has participated in the Special Olympics for 24 years. Camacho was chosen as the 2020 Police Plunge Team Captain and will hold an Olympic torch at the plunge.
Besides the plunge, the event is a time to spend time with colleagues and tailgate. Plungers and spectators can purchase food, alcohol, and merchandise from vendors on-site.
Special Olympics Maryland holds multiple plunges and fundraising opportunities around the state.
Maryland students went to Sandy Point State Park on Thursday to partake in a "Cool Schools" challenge from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
A "Corporate Plunge" is scheduled on Friday, January 24 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and a "Maryland Plunge" on Saturday, January 25 from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.