Aurora police chill out for Special Olympics

Aurora Police Officer Lisa Carter was one of more than 400 people who jumped in frigid waters this month for a good cause.

“Once you get in, it’s not so bad,” she said of the 10th annual Special Olympics Law Enforcement Polar Plunge at Silver Springs State Park in Yorkville that raised nearly $93,000.

“This year was amazing. It was actually sunny and bright and beautiful out,” Carter said, noting in past years it’s been windy and rainy.

The Aurora team, dubbed the “Vice Cubes” and dressed in 1980s “Miami Vice” attire, raised $3,995 and earned the top fundraising award for police groups.

The overall tally of $92,593 also surpassed the $82,000 raised last year by some 300 participants.

The Aurora team consisted of 19 people: 10 officers and nine civilians,

Carter has participated since 2008. Her daughter, Brianna, an 11-year-old fifth-grader, has joined her mom the past three years and insisted on going this year even though she had an injury to her left foot.

“She’s a tough girl. Next year, I’ll probably let her go underwater (completely),” Carter said.

Aurora Police Sgt. Doug Podschweit, who’s spent several years organizing the department’s Polar Plunge efforts, also jumped in along with his daughter, Riley.

For more information about next year’s Polar Plunge team, call Carter at (630) 256-5347 or email her at carterl@apd.aurora.il.us.

A dedicated Special Olympics fund also has been established at the Aurora Police Credit Union. For more information, call the credit union at (630) 499-5690.

Last year, Aurora police raised more than $19,000 for the charity through various fundraisers and events.

Officer, veteran battles cancer: A spaghetti dinner will be held April 6 to benefit a West Chicago police officer who is in need of a bone marrow donor.

Officer Jon Stewart, who also is a husband, dad and Marine veteran, has been diagnosed with aplastic anemia and needs a donor before he can return to work.

The fundraiser will help raise money for living expenses.

Advance tickets are $12 for adults, $8 for kids 4 to 12 and free for kids younger than 4. Tickets the night of the fundraiser are $15 for adults and $10 for kids 4 to 12. Admission includes dinner and a ticket for a raffle that has prizes of $500, $250 and $100.

A cash bar, 50-50 raffle and silent auction also will be featured at the event beginning at 5 p.m. at the West Chicago VFW, 431 N. Neltnor Blvd. (Route 59).

For more information, call (630) 293-2222.

hhitzeman@dailyherald.com