Officer Takes Polar Plunge for Special Olympics

The water temperature was 39 degrees and the air temperature, with windchill, was 27 degrees but that did not stop Douglasville Police Officer Matt Underwood from taking this year's Polar Plunge at Lake Lanier of Feb. 16.

The City of Douglasville raised more than $3000 dollars for this event.

"I thank you for your support and efforts on this day," Underwood said. "It was cold!"

"Thank you for your of efforts and all you and your team do to support Special Olympics, represent the City of Douglasville and make us proud," Douglasville Mayor Harvey Persons said in an email.

Here is what Officer Underwood said on his Special Olympics Georgia, Inc. Polar Plunge page before the event:

"I have been involved with Special Olympics for over 15 years in a Law Enforcement capacity and a personal setting. My experiences include coaching unified sports in basketball, volleyball and softball with Special Olympic Athletes from Haralson County. It is my true belief that Special Olympic Athletes can teach us so many things about life in general that when applied to our lives we would be a much more caring and loving society. I am HUMBLED every single minute I spend with our athletes."