Rhode Island Municipal Police Training Academy Raises $21,000 for Special Olympics Rhode Island

PROVIDENCE — The Rhode Island Police Chiefs’ Association would like to commend the Rhode Island Municipal Police Training Academy for their recent fundraising efforts benefiting Special Olympics Rhode Island.

Each Academy graduating class must choose a charity to raise money for. This year’s class, Session #138, chose to work with Special Olympics Rhode Island, taking part in the organization’s Polar Plunge event on Saturday, March 19 at Roger Wheeler State Beach in Narragansett.

As part of the event, participants jumped into the cold water as a way to raise money. Session #138 participated as a unit, and between the 54 recruits they raised more than $21,000. All proceeds will go to the Special Olympics of Rhode Island.

“The Academy always strives to give back to the community and instill a passion for public service in recruits,” Rhode Island Municipal Police Training Academy Executive Director Lt. Christopher Zarrella said. “The graduating class did an amazing job raising money for the Special Olympics of Rhode Island.”

Session #138 will graduate in May.

“It is with heartfelt thanks that I express my sincere appreciation to the members of the Rhode Island Municipal Police Training Academy for their participation in our most recent plunge,” said Special Olympics Rhode Island Executive Director Dennis DeJesus. “The members of the Academy raised $21,000 in support of our great athletes! Just as important is their commitment to the mission and vision of the Special Olympics movement. Their participation will never be forgotten by all of us at Special Olympics Rhode Island.”