Niles Cops Jump In Icy Lake For Charity

When Niles Police Department staffers went to the beach at Evanston on Feb. 24, there was quite a bit of ice.

Barbara DiGuido of Special Olympics Illinois, the organization for which the officers were raising charitable funds, said volunteers had to break up some of the ice so that those participating in the fundraiser could dip into the frigid waters.

Conditions are different every year, she said, for the event called the Illinois Law Enforcement Polar Plunge for Special Olympics.

Earlier: Park Ridge Officer Plunges Once an Hour for 24 Hours

Nevertheless, Division Commander Vincenzo Genualdi, Sgt. Ronald Brandt and Officer James Griesenauer braved those conditions to jump into the pool that was formed in the ice. 

They raised more than $2,000, according to the department; of the 160 people total who participated, more then $75,000 was raised from that event, according to the Niles Police Department.

If you would like to donate, you still can, by clicking on the links below. 

Sgt. Ronald Brandt - http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/ron-brandt/2013-polar-plunge-northwestern-university

Ofc. James Griesenauer - http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/JamesGriesenauer/2013-polar-plunge-northwestern-university

Division Commander Vince Genualdi - http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/vince-genualdi/2013-polar-plunge-northwestern-university 

Upcoming future events that benefit the Illinois Special Olympics include the Cop on Top May 31, 2013 and the Law Enforcement Torch Run Sunday June 9, 2013. If anyone is interested in purchasing T-Shirts, Hats, or Pins which support the Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics you can contact Sgt. Eric Lambrechts at 847-588-6500.