“Worth it.”

Rangely first responders take the Polar Plunge to raise funds for the Special Olympics

When you think of bravery, do you think of jumping into ~45-degree water on a 35-degree morning for a good cause? On Saturday, Nov. 13, members of the Rangely Police Department and the Park Ranger Program at CNCC jumped into Kenney Reservoir to raise money for the Special Olympics. Every year, police departments all over Colorado and the nation take the Polar Plunge into cold waters. 

The mission of the Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympic athletes, and the community. (More information at www.specialolympicsco.org/about) 

Rangely plungers included Chief TiRynn Hamblin and his son Corbin, Sergeant Richard Garner, dispatchers KayLyn, Bethany Smith and Cheyenne Steele-Mackey. They were joined by Nathan Roos and Jesse Reighard from the Park Ranger Academy. Asked what the experience was like, Sgt. Garner responded, “Brrr.” Spectators and EMT support who were present agreed that his statement was perfect. 

The plungers were supported by Rangely Rural Fire Protection District members Rick Moran, Charlie Allen, Bryan Ellis and Todd Low. Ellis and Low dressed in diving gear and swam while participants plunged, in the event that safety assistance was needed. Fortunately, their skills were not required.  

“It was worth it!” Chief Hamblin said.