Monee and Crete Police Departments’ award-winning Special Olympics Illinois fundraising teams are at it again. Together, the teams earned $15,105 in the 2025 Polar Plunge for the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run benefitting SPI.
For the 12th consecutive year, the MPD team took on the annual ‘Polar Plunge’ challenge at Lake Manteno.
“Led by our close friend, Olympian Nick Lorenz, MPD Officers, family and friends participated in this highly successful Special Olympics fundraising event,” said Chief Scott Koerner.
“Seventeen ‘Plungers’ took the dip in the 34-degree lake water to represent the village and raised an all-time high of almost $10,000. MPD was the top fundraiser in the Lake Manteno Region among first responders, trailing only Kirby School District 140 (Tinley Park).”
Chief Koerner cited Deputy Chief Tony Lazzaroni, Sgt. Teresa Cancialosi, and Officer Matt Hoekstra for their dedication and commitment in organizing this event. Top fundraisers included Mayor Therese Bogs and Sheepdog Firearms Academy owner Steve Schabacker.
Also on the MPD team were Spiro Giorgakis, Sgt. Evie Lazzaroni, Christian Schabacker, Kevin Avers, Alison Kiedaisch, Stephen Crescenti, Gabriella Crescenti, Ella Pfeifer, Christopher Rizzo, William Little, and Michael Pecaro.
“We already are game planning for Plunge 2026,” Koerner noted.
“We had four first-time plungers this year and are looking for a few more next year! Rumor has it that if MPD raises $10,000 next year,” he added, “a certain village trustee (John Henson) has promised to jump in a pink ‘tutu’! Get your cameras ready!”
Crete Police Department’s Team Freezin’ for a Reason isn’t promising pink tutus next year, but they have plenty of bragging rights for their 2025 efforts to raise awareness and funds for a great cause.
Crete Police Department staffers and friends don’t scare easily, not even in freezing cold water on a frigid winter day. The team earned over $5,600 taking the plunge in the annual Polar Plunge at Lake Manteno earlier this month to benefit the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Illinois. –Photo from Chief Scott Pieritz.
“The Manteno Polar Plunge Event was a huge success,” said Chief Scott Pieritz. “Our team raised over $5,600, and over $200,000 was raised for the Manteno Region E teams.
“Big thanks to Michelle Calderone and Chris Frakes who partner with us every year. Former Crete Police Officer Michael Rarity even flew in from Colorado to jump with our team.”
On the team this year, in addition to Chief Pieritz, Calderone, and Frakes, were Katelyn Tieri, Michael Lucia, Amy Gould, Robert Kiser, Mandy Swanson, Al Taylor, Mindi Lawrence, Kodie Kane, and Julian Flores.
Crete PD’s fundraising doesn’t stop there, either.
On April 2 they will have their Police BINGO fundraiser event. Tickets are currently on sale at the Crete Police Department, 1370 Benton Street, and Smokey Jo’s, 475 W. Burville Road.