Join Port Jervis Fire Department in Taking Polar Plunge!
By SHARON SIEGEL, Senior Correspondent | November 04, 2020 | NEW YORK
Story No. 110420101
Photo by Sharon E. SiegelSeven members of Port Jervis FD’s Water Operations Team pictured mid-Delaware River during last year's first PJFD Polar Plunge, (L-R): Mike Aumick, Keith Brown, Tyler Kowinsky, Bryce Sotelo, Dana Presto, Justin Brewster, and Petey Fuller.
Photo by Sharon E. SiegelAll three of Port Jervis Fire Department’s chiefs were in the water at once, with many others, during Port’s fist Polar Plunge held last Saturday morning at West End Beach. PJFD Chief Dominic Cicalese, Eric Hipsman, and Second Assistant Chief Anthony Fuller (at far right but not pictured) led the first group of 61 individual participants to ‘take the plunge’ in the Delaware River’s 32-degree water. Sponsors are hoping for even more participants this year all aimed at supporting Port's dedicated group of water operations emergency service volunteers.
Photo by Sharon E. SiegelMany turned out to support their friends, family, and neighbors in Port Jervis’ first Polar Plunge last January at West End Beach as 61 individuals submerged themselves in the 32-degree Delaware River. Sponsors are hoping for even more participants this year all aimed at supporting Port's dedicated group of water operations emergency service volunteers.
Photo by Sharon E. SiegelMany turned out to support their friends, family, and neighbors in Port Jervis’ first Polar Plunge last January at West End Beach as 61 individuals submerged themselves in the 32-degree Delaware River. Sponsors are hoping for even more participants this year all aimed at supporting Port's dedicated group of water operations emergency service volunteers.
Photo by Sharon E. SiegelMany turned out to support their friends, family, and neighbors in Port Jervis’ first Polar Plunge last January at West End Beach as 61 individuals submerged themselves in the 32-degree Delaware River. Sponsors are hoping for even more participants this year all aimed at helping this dedicated group of volunteers (pictured at a former river rescue event) in their emergency service to others.
Photo by Sharon E. SiegelSparrowbush Engine Company Ladies Auxiliary President Jamie Swingle, at right, was among the 61 individuals who completed Port Jervis’ first Polar Plunge challenge at West End Beach last Saturday morning and then warmed up around a fire tended to by Port Jervis Fire Department and other emergency personnel units that were on hand to assist both in the water and on the shore. Sponsors are hoping for even more participants this year all aimed at supporting Port's dedicated group of water operations emergency service volunteers.
Photo by Sharon E. SiegelSurrounded by members of Port Jervis Fire Department’s Water Operations Team, many of those who completed last January's first PJFD Polar Plunge went back in to repeat the challenge two, three, or more times, including this caped superhero swimmer. Many also rescued shoes left behind in the cold 32-degree Delaware River water by other Polar Plunge participants. Sponsors are hoping for even more participants this year all aimed at supporting Port's dedicated group of water operations emergency service volunteers.
Photo by Sharon E. SiegelSome of the 61 individuals who completed Port Jervis’ first Polar Plunge last January are pictured warming themselves up around a fire tended to by Port Jervis Fire Department and other emergency personnel units that were on hand to assist both in the water and on the shore. Sponsors are hoping for even more participants this year all aimed at supporting Port's dedicated group of water operations emergency service volunteers.
Port Jervis, NY - On Saturday, January 16, 2021, from 8:30 A.M. to 9:30 A.M., Port Jervis Fire Department will host its second annual Polar Plunge event. Anyone wishing to support the department and enjoy a chilly winter dip in the Delaware River is invited to contact Port’s Recreation Department. Information may be gained at 845-858-4045 recreationdirector@portjervisny.gov or when updated at https://www.facebook.com/portjervisfiredepartment
This year’s January 16th Polar Plunge is being held to raise funds for Port Jervis Fire Department’s Special Operations Team. Chaired by PJFD Water Operations Team Lt. Tim Simmons, who also serves as a 4th Ward Councilman on Port’s Common Council, the PJFD event is co-sponsored by Port’s Recreation Department.
Last January, more than 60 individuals participated by taking a plunge, some repeating their accomplishment more than once. Many stayed to enjoy a beach campfire and refreshments, receiving towels, bathrobes, and warm clothes that were ready for them on shore.
Last year’s water temperature was 32-dgrees. This was higher than the 20-degree air temperature. All who entered the water were quickly in and out to avoid hypothermia. Simmons noted careful preparations, safety precautions, and special features of last year will be repeated and built upon for this year’s event, with special considerations to stay safely within COVID-19 guidelines.
Preparations include divers sweeping the designated plunge area for sharp rocks or debris, recreation staff preparing the beach area, and divers who will be protectively in the water throughout the event.
“It takes something to run down there and jump into that water,” Simmons said. “For some, it’s been on their bucket list. Hopefully those who completed this last year will return for another plunge."
Jamie Swingle, President of Sparrowbush Engine Company’s Ladies Auxiliary, was one of those who completed her first-time Polar Plunge last year, and loved it.
“I’ve always watched the ones on New Year’s Day and thought it looked really fun to do,” a bathrobe adorned Swingle said, following last year’s plunge. “It was kind of like something on my bucket list. It was great.”
Mark your calendars for January 16, 2021, 8:30a.m. - 9:30a.m. for Port Jervis’ Polar Plunge at West End Beach, Ferry Street, Port Jervis, NY to help raise funds for a dedicated group of emergency volunteers and to have some unique winter fun.
This article is a direct street report from our correspondent and has not been edited by the 1st Responder newsroom.