The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) cranked up the fun and dialed down the temps on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, hosting its inaugural Halton Polar Plunge in support of Special Olympics Ontario.

More than 65 brave HRPS members and community partners – including HRPS Deputy Chiefs Roger Wilkie, Jeff Hill, and Kevin Maher – literally broke the ice when they took their leaps of faith into the outdoor cold-water tank stationed at the HRPS Headquarters in Oakville. 

The HRPS would like to thank everyone who donated to help shatter our $10,000 fundraising goal, raising a total of $15,300. Proceeds from the Polar Plunge will enable Special Olympics Ontario to deliver programming and events to more than 23,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities across the province.

HRPS Deputy Chief and President of the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP), Roger Wilkie, said: “I’m very proud of our Service and so many other police services across the province for organizing these Polar Plunge events in support of Special Olympics Ontario – the OACP’s charity of choice.

“This event is a great example of what police services mean when we talk about the concept of Community Safety and Well-Being. By investing in upstream community programs, we all win. Proceeds from this event will enable Special Olympics Ontario to help even more people across our region grow through the power of sport, not just as athletes, but as well-rounded individuals, which in turn, makes Halton that much stronger.

“Thank you to everyone who donated and our amazing members and community partners for braving those temperatures.”

Derek Spence, Law Enforcement Torch Run Liaison for Special Olympics Ontario, said: “Seeing our brave officers take the plunge really proves that they will stop at no lengths to help their community. Special Olympics Ontario is all about promoting respect, acceptance, inclusion, and human dignity – values that I know are shared by the Halton Regional Police Service, and which are deepened in the communities we serve when we partner to make an even bigger positive impact.”

The HRPS also extends its appreciation to its many sponsors who supported this event, including the Halton Regional Police Association, Pegasus Safety and Rescue, UpRight Services, Access Storage, Gallagher, Total Health Physio, and Oak-land Ford Lincoln.

Members of the public are warmly welcomed to donate to the Halton Polar Plunge by clicking here.

Note: Hover cursor over images for description.

Deputy Chief Roger Wilkie fielding media interview in front of the Polar Plunge water tank.

Deputy Chief Roger Wilkie jumping into the cold-water tank.

Deputy Chief Jeff Hill cannonballing into the cold-water Polar Plunge tank.

Deputy Chief Kevin Maher jumping into the cold-water tank.

Constable Heidi O'Neill by day, Wonderwoman by night!