Highway patrol vet raising money for Special Olympics

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Lt. Jim McNiell has faced many challenges in his 31 years working for the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

Before he retires later this year, there's one more challenge he'd like to take -- but he's going to need the public's help to do it.

McNiell is looking to raise $3,000 by Feb. 1 so he can take the Polar Bear Plunge on Feb. 2 at the Trail of Tears State Park in Cape Girardeau County. The event calls for individuals who've raised money for Special Olympics Missouri to jump in a body of usually ice-cold water at the state park.

"If they get close to $3,000, I will go -- but I don't look forward to it," McNiell said, referring to jumping into freezing water.

To date, McNiell has raised $270. He called the current total "a little disappointing," but he remains optimistic.

If the $3,000 is not raised, "then it still goes to a good cause. Every cent goes to Special Olympics Missouri," McNiell said.

Through 19 year-round sports, Special Olympics Missouri offers children and adults with mental disabilities training and competition by age and ability.

Statewide there are about 14,000 Special Olympics Missouri athletes. Nearly 1,300 of those athletes reside in Southeast Missouri.

Lt. Buddy Davis of Cape Girardeau Police Department and Polar Bear Plunge coordinator for Southeast Missouri, said that last year $19,000 was raised for Southeast Missouri Special Olympics athletes through the Polar Bear Plunge. This year the goal is $37,500.

When the day arrives, there are two main rules to taking the plunge, Davis said.

"One rule is participants have to wear shoes, and the other rule is they can't wear a wet suit," Davis said.

Last year temperatures were so low, ice had to be broken off the water at Trail of Tears, Davis recalled. Local fire departments and paramedics will be on stand-by.

To make a donation, visit the Web site www.firstgiving.com/jimmcniell.