For Wheeling police detective, Polar Plunge in Palatine was personal

Jumping into the icy water and feeling the shock to his body had extra meaning Sunday for Wheeling police Det. Ricky Giltner. It was personal, and it was about family.

Six months ago, doctors diagnosed Giltner's 2-year-old son Liam with cerebral palsy, a neurological disorder that can impair muscle control, motor skills and oral functioning. That's why Giltner joined hundreds of other suburban residents Sunday for the Polar Plunge at Twin Lakes Recreation Area in Palatine to support Special Olympics.

About 350 people who plunged raised more than $100,000, which will allow athletes to participate in competitions for free, organizers said. Many of those braving the frigid waters were suburban police officers, high school students and residents.

"Obviously, it had a different meaning to me because it affects me directly," Giltner said after plunging into a hole of water cut from the sheet of ice covering both lakes.

He was joined by a team of Wheeling police officers, who had Liam's name written across their chests in a tribute to the toddler whose dad describes him as a fighter.

Liam and his twin brother, Declan, were born 13 weeks premature and spent time in the neonatal intensive care unit before going home. In August, the family learned Liam has cerebral palsy. He's been doing well recently and appears to be on an upward swing, Giltner said.

Though Giltner has participated in the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics, this was his first time at the Polar Plunge. He hopes that one day Liam will be able to compete. "God willing he's allowed to do that and he can run and walk, I'd love for him to be a part of it," Giltner said.