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Colorful chaos ruled the day at the 16th annual polar plunge where more than 600 comically, clad participants raised over $203,000 for Missouri Special Olympics. One particular comically clad character stood out as a sight quite different than the public usually sees.

"My wife and my nieces put our outfits together every year and we've won several Golden Plunger awards for Best Law Enforcement Costume,” said Osage Beach Police officer, Cpl. Pete Leyva. “If I'm going to dress like that I'm going to win something."

Dressed as a quartet of nerds, Leyva donned suspenders and high-rise plaid pants to join his family for their plunge into the frigid waters of Public Beach 2 in Osage Beach.  True to his word, the family sloshed away with the 2011 Golden Plunger award in the Law Enforcement division.

Leyva's competitive spirit reaches far beyond his plunge apparel. Before strutting his stuff on the beach, he hits his stride during the 5k Polar Strut; an event he initiated 10 years ago.

"I always lead in the law enforcement division so if any other police departments are watching, I challenge you to compete next year," Leyva jokingly said.

 
Geared for those too timid for the bone-chilling dip, more than 130 runners and walkers hit Osage Beach roadways prior to the plunge.

"The strut itself raised almost $10,000,” Leyva said. “Right now we're sitting at $203,000 raised just at our plunge."

While awarding trophies bearing the likeness of a Polar Bear family, Special Olympics Director, Diane Brimer, stressed that the far reaching benefits of the whimsical event.

"All the funds raised go to support the 15,615 athletes that compete in Missouri every year," Brimer said. “The benefit reaches far beyond the athletes, helping the families and communities, as well.”

Much of that success is do to overwhelming support by local law enforcement agencies. Amidst the frigid waters of the polar plunge is a heart felt commitment by law enforcement to support Missouri's special athletes.

“The Special Olympics is the number one charity of law enforcement across the nation and even the world,” Leyva said. “The Osage Beach Police Department is very proud to be part of this and so am I."

Of the 14 polar plunges held in Missouri, the lake area event is among the most popular and productive. This year's plunge drew 610 participants, raising over $203,000; a close second to the $255,000 brought in by Kansas City plungers.