Londonderry Officer to Take 'Penguin Plunge'

The 14th annual Penguin Plunge to benefit Special Olympics – New Hampshire is scheduled to take place next year, and a local police officer is planning on jumping in the icy water once again.

Londonderry Police Lt. Tim Jones has already set up a donation page for the event, which he has participated in for four straight years.

The long-time officer in the community has raised $145, which is 41 percent of his $350 fee that he needs to raise to participate in the plunge.

The charitable event takes place in Hampton, N.H.

Jones issued the following statement on his donation page:

This is my fourth year plunging into frigid waters for a wonderful cause. I consider Team-U a part of my family now. I've witnessed the happines that the Special Olympics program brings to the special people that compete. Please give what you can.

Team-U stands for Team Uncanoonuc, which is listed on the donation website as a group of 21 participants.

With the plunge scheduled to take place on Feb. 3, the group has already raised $1,472.

According to the Special Olympics – New Hampshire website, 2012 saw 703 Plungers jump into the Atlantic Ocean. Those people collectively raised $508,692 for the organization.

The first plunge in 2000 had 159 participants.

Other Special Olympics fundraising events in the state including a high school plunge and a dip into Lake Winnipesaukee also take place each year.