Arlington Police Raise Money to Eradicate Polio as Part of Rotary Club’s Annual Polar Plunge

ARLINGTON — Police Chief Julie Flaherty is pleased to share that members of the Arlington Police Department will be taking a polar plunge to raise money to eradicate polio as part of the Rotary Club of Arlington’s annual event. 

For the past four years, the Rotary Club has hosted a polar plunge to spread awareness and raise funds to eradicate polio. 

This year, members of the Police Department have formed a team to compete in the Polar-Plunge Funding Competition. As a team, the Department is competing against the Fire Department, Rotary President Bill Hayner, and Japanese Research Scientist Kenji Numata to raise money to be donated to End Polio Now, a campaign led by Rotary International to raise funds, increase awareness and advocate for the eradication of polio. 

All funds raised through the event will be matched and doubled by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to fight polio worldwide. 

Capt. Richard Flynn, Capt. Brendan Kiernan, Lt. Mike Flynn and Officer Bryan White will all be plunging into a portable tank of cold water at the event. Chief Flaherty will also be at the event to show her support for the Department. 

The event will be held on Jan. 25 at 11 a.m. in the St. Camillus parking lot, 1185 Concord Turnpike. 

“The Police Department is beyond grateful to the Rotary Club for initiating and organizing this event,” said Chief Flaherty. “We are excited and thankful to be able to participate, and we hope the community joins us in raising awareness and advocating for this extremely important cause.” 

Those interested in donating can visit https://arlingtonmarotary.com/donate/team-apd/.