Gresham Police participated in the annual Polar Plunge for Oregon Special Olympics. 

Local law enforcement jumped at the chance to take a frigid plunge in February, all in support of some amazing athletes from across the state.

Both the Gresham Police Department and Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office participated in the 2025 Special Olympics Oregon Polar Plunge, a fun chilly annual event that raises funds for athletes in the program. Other participants included a team from the Portland Police Bureau (Portland Police Plungers) and team from Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office.

The Portland plunge took place Saturday, Feb. 22, at the Willamette Park Boat Ramps. It began with a 5K run, and then the jump into the water. The collective groups raised just shy of $90,000 at the event.

Team Gresham PD Glaciers placed fifth in the fundraising competition; and Team MCSO Polar Patrol had a member complete the daunting “Super Plunge,” where you take a dip every hour for 24 hours.

“The energy was palpable, the costumes were fun, and the impact was so worth the chill,” wrote the sheriff’s office on social media.

In addition to law enforcement, many businesses and community organizations join the fun, including Wood Village Fred Meyer, Centennial High School, East Gresham Elementary’s Unified Champion Sports Buddy Club, and many more.

Special Olympics Oregon provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-style sports for children, youths and adults with intellectual disabilities. The organization provides opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and make friendships that last a lifetime.

Learn more about the organization at soor.org