WESTBOROUGH – The boys in blue got a bit bluer on March 9 for a good cause.
Members of the Westborough Police Department took part in a Polar Plunge to benefit the Special Olympics in Massachusetts.
They were among nearly 50 participants who jumped into “Bear Force One,” a mobile unit made for Special Olympics, behind Cold Harbor Brewing on Otis Street.
“It’s a good cause,” said Jen Oliveira, co-owner of Cold Harbor along with husband Will Oliveira.
Both came out in costume, as did quite a few other participants. Will had the honor of being the first plunger, and he jumped in wearing hockey gear and a Shamrocks shirt. Jen took the plunge dressed as a penguin.
Other Cold Harbor employees followed suit – chef Mark Disessa dressed like Rocky Balboa and bearing a large prosciutto.
One participant came to Cold Harbor on a raw, cloudy day to celebrate his birthday.
The police contingent was led by Chief Todd Minardi. Personnel also provided rubber ducks (in police gear, of course) for the younger crowd.
Cold Harbor nosed out Integrated Lifestyles Massage for top team honors in fundraising.
As of March 9, the event raised $13,613 for the Special Olympics – well beyond the set goal of $10,000.
For more information about programs and events offered by Special Olympics of Massachusetts, visit https://www.specialolympicsma.org/.
While the police were jumping, several members of the Fire Department were climbing.
The firefighters participated in the annual Stair Climb in Boston on March 9, raising $1,891 for the American Lung Association by climbing 41 stories in full gear.
