Taking the plunge to raise funds

Havre police face adversity daily and handle it in stride, but they looked a little intimidated by the daunting task they faced at Blue Pony Stadium Saturday afternoon.

Four of Havre's finest stood on a ledge overlooking a large container of ice water. Their job: To jump in the water, entertain the onlookers and raise money for the Special Olympics.

Without hesitation, they met the challenge.

The crowd gave the officers a resounding cheer.

"It takes your breath away, that's for sure," said Acting Police Chief Gabe Matosich, after he completed the jump.

"It's a great community event," he said. "We've been doing this from the start four or five years ago."

Police are major supporters of the Sub-Zero Super-Hero Polar Plunge, held this year between the Blue Pony and Montana State University-Northern football games Saturday. The U.S. Border Patrol, Hill County Sheriff's Department and Blaine County Sheriff's Department took part in the program, and Hill County Search and Rescue, dressed in wet-gear, helped usher people out of the cold water.

Havre High School Principal Craig Muller challenged staff and students to raise funds. The deal was, he would jump for $1,000 in pledges, he would wear a tutu for $2,000 in pledges and for $3,000 in pledges, he would wear the tutu in the hallway between classes. With associated pledges, he said, $3,000 was raised, so he had to wear the tutu at school today.

It was freezing, he said about the plunge.

"But it was for a good cause," he said. "It raised money and awareness for Special Olympics."

Shaylee Lewis, Havre High School special education teacher, has been involved in every Polar Plunge.

She jumped in the water, and afterward seemed relatively unfazed, as Special Olympians cheered her on.

"Special Olympics is a special passion of mine," she said. "I like to take part."