Usually, A Pilot Moves A Plane: Cops Tow 45-Ton Aircraft For Cause

EAST HAVEN-NEW HAVEN, CT —Called the first-ever "Plane Pull Fundraiser," a 90,710 pound Avelo Airlines Boeing jet was pulled by members of the South Central Regional SWAT team to benefit the athletes of Special Olympics Connecticut Wednesday.

The fundraiser had teams of around 20 members each representing law enforcement agencies, schools, and local organizations and businesses each raise a minimum of $2,000 for Special Olympics Connecticut. Muscles were flexed pulling the Boeing Next-Generation 737 jetliner 20 feet. Each member of the winning team will receive a free Avelo roundtrip ticket.

One team was definitely in it to win it.

The South Central Regional SWAT team members are from East Haven, Branford, North Branford, North Haven, East Haven, Guilford, and Madison police departments.

In a social media post, East Haven police noted SWAT members showed up in tactical gear ready o doing some heavy lifting, or rather, pulling.

"Today, SCR-SWAT traded in tactical gear for some serious muscle power at the Special Olympics Airplane Pull Competition at Tweed New Haven Airport to benefit the CT Special Olympics. Our team joined forces with others to move a massive plane for an even bigger purpose—supporting our incredible Special Olympics athletes. We might be used to high-pressure situations, but this was a whole new kind of heavy lifting. We are proud to be part of a community that always goes the extra mile (or pulls the extra ton)!"

East Haven Police Department Capt. Joseph M. Murgo told Patch SCR-SWAT was "honored to support the Connecticut Special Olympics.

"Events like the Special Olympics' airplane pull is a great way for our regional SWAT team to give back to the community and stand alongside impressive athletes," Murgo said.

Patch learned that the LAZ Parking team, known as 'Parker's Revenge,' won with the fastest time, according to a spokesperson who added the event raised close to $60,000 for Special Olympics CT.

About Special Olympics Connecticut

Special Olympics Connecticut provides year-round sports training and competitions for close to 10,000 athletes of all ages with intellectual disabilities and Unified Sports® partners - their teammates without disabilities. Through the joy of sport, the Special Olympics movement transforms lives and communities throughout the state and in 190 countries around the world by promoting good health and fitness and inspiring inclusion and respect for people of all abilities, on and off the playing field. (www.soct.org)