St. Charles polar plunge benefits Special Olympics

A frigid morning didn't stop around 40 participants from diving into a portable fire department water tank during a polar plunge to benefit Special Olympics in St. Charles Saturday.

Held across the street from St. Charles Fire Station No. 1, the 3,000-gallon tank, usually used to hold water to fight fires in rural areas, gave participants the opportunity for a quick plunge on a 28-degree morning. Among the participants were members of local law enforcement including the Kane County state's attorney's office and the St. Charles Police Department.

"Law enforcement is the number one supporter for our athletes," said Linda Hagemann, an event organizer. "That gives them the opportunity to compete in sports."

There are around 25,000 Special Olympics athletes in Illinois, and law enforcement raises $4 million to $5 million annually for them through various fundraising activities, Hagemann said.