Branford Cop To “Plunge” 24 Times In One Day For Special Olympics

BRANFORD, CT - Police officers are used to going above and beyond in their duties but Branford police officer Josef Herten will be taking it to another level on March 30th.

On that date, Officer Herten will plunge into the icy ocean waters off Westbrook 24 times - or once an hour - all to raise money for Special Olympics. Herten and others making the plunge(s) will be staying at the Westbrook Elks during the time and making their plunge(s) on the hour - every hour.

Herten is asking the public to make a contribution to the Special Olympics. He had set up a donation page - where he is hoping to raise $2,400. So far he’s raised slightly more than $900.

Here is what he said:

"What started with 1 Dedicated Police Chief in Rhode Island, has turned into Police Officers/Firefighters/Athletes from New England states plunging into the frigid water 24 times in 24 hours.

"Last year a Special Olympics athlete from Rhode Island convinced me with her charm to join a fellow officer from CT to participate in my first 24 Hr Super Penguin plunge in Rhode Island.

"I have been selected again to take the plunge and against my better judgment I have accepted to plunge into the Long Island Sound in the first 24 Hr Super Plunge in CT in Westbrook on March 30th!!

"The link to donate to my page is below."
https://give.classy.org/Officer-Joe

Officer Herten said several local business have agreed sponsor me, and also sell plunge penguins for a dollar to support his fundraising efforts.

He added: "Special Olympics athlete Jon, who works at the Chowder Pot will be plunging with me and we are having a small event at the Chowder Pot on Wednesday March 20th, 5:30-8:30 p.m. to raise money for our efforts."

Under the direction of Officers Herten and Joseph Harrington, the Branford Police Department was recently recognized for raising more money for Special Olympics than any police department in state of Connecticut.

Here is what Officer Herten had to say about the department’s efforts:

“Officer Harrington and I have raised over $100,000 in the last three years and Branford Police have been one of the top fundraising departments in the CT for the last six years.

“This is the first time Branford Police Department has raised over $40,000 and the first time we have been awarded the (CCPA) Connecticut Chiefs of Police Association award for top fundraising department in the state.