Brant OPP Const. Jonathan Bueckert was “Freezin’ for a Reason” when he plunged into the ice-cold water of Pittock Lake in Woodstock on Feb. 22.
Bueckert was participating in the annual Polar Plunge to raise funds for Special Olympics Ontario and its 26,000 athletes. Police and others involved in law enforcement are supporting the initiative, which began Feb. 21 and continues to March 21 and includes in-person and virtual events.
“I’ve had some involvement with Special Olympics in the past,” Bueckert, 29, said. “I really enjoy working with the people supported by Special Olympics.
Bueckert has so far raised $975 of his $1,500 target. To support his fundraising effort, visit: soopolarplunge.crowdchange.ca/2363/page/9898.
He calls polar plunges therapeutic.
“It’s really quite overwhelming,” Bueckert said. “Once you’re fully in the water, you can either panic or embrace it.
“It sends your body into a fight or flight response and the whole point is to challenge yourself. It takes your breath away.”
Bueckert recently became the OPP co-ordinator of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Ontario and will be involved in OPP Special Olympics fundraising events across the province.
Bueckert grew up in Tillsonburg and graduated from Glendale High School before taking police studies at Fanshawe College in London. He worked in corrections for four years before switching to policing.
“This is a job that enables me to make a difference every day,” he said. “After growing up in Tillsonburg, I’m kind of used to being with people in smaller communities and I really like being able to sit down and talk with people.
“That’s one of the reasons I think I’m really going to enjoy this provincial (fundraising) co-ordinator’s role.”
The Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police and police services across Ontario have long been supporters of Special Olympics through the annual torch run, which takes place in June.
Meanwhile, Norfolk County Polar Plunge takes place March 26 from noon to 3 pm at Turkey Point Provincial Park Beach with registration starting at 11 am Sponsored by Speedy Glass Simcoe, the event, which aims to raise $15,000, includes prizes for the best costume and top individual fundraiser.
The Brantford Police Service is also participating in the plunge. To support the Brantford team, visit soopolarplunge.crowdchange.ca/2363/team/1900. Participants are encouraged to create their own videos and post them to social media using the hashtag #PlungeON and tag Brantford police at @BrantfordPoliceService .
The Polar Plunge campaign is being held over 35 days to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the torch run.
The plunge raised $361,000 in 2021.
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