33° and Heavy snow
Image
BLAINE, Minn.
The Blaine Police Department has officially issued a high-stakes challenge to its neighboring law enforcement agencies ahead of the 2026 Anoka County Polar Plunge, throwing down what officers are calling a friendly but formidable gauntlet in support of Special Olympics Minnesota.
The annual winter tradition, rooted in the global Law Enforcement Torch Run, brings police chiefs, deputies, firefighters, and public safety staff together to compete for more than bragging rights. The goal is simple and demanding: raise the most money possible for Special Olympics athletes, then prove that commitment by plunging into icy Minnesota waters.
Event Details
The Anoka County Polar Plunge will take place on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Lakeside Commons Park, located at 3020 Lakes Parkway, Blaine. The event raises both funds and awareness for Special Olympics Minnesota, which provides year-round sports training, competition, health screenings, and leadership programming for athletes with intellectual disabilities.
Check-in typically begins around 10:30 a.m., with the plunge ceremony starting near noon, followed by participants entering the frigid waters of Sunrise Lake. To manage large crowds, organizers traditionally operate shuttle service from satellite locations such as Blainbrook Entertainment Center, Renovation Church, and Pizza Pub Prime.
The Law Enforcement Challenge
The Law Enforcement Challenge is a cornerstone of the Anoka County Plunge, and Blaine Police has historically played a leading role in organizing and energizing the event at this location. For 2026, the department has formally called out fellow agencies across the county to step up their fundraising and participation.
Agencies tagged in the challenge include the Anoka County Sheriff's Office, Anoka Police Department, Centennial Lakes Police Department, Columbia Heights Police Department, Coon Rapids Police Department, Fridley Public Safety, Lino Lakes Police Department, Ramsey Police & Fire, Spring Lake Park Police Department, and the St. Francis Police Department.
While the plunge itself is the most visible moment, the real competition happens in the weeks leading up to the event. Departments compete to raise the most money overall or per capita, with top fundraisers earning recognition and the coveted Law Enforcement Challenge trophy.
Factual Context and Impact
The Anoka County Polar Plunge has been a local staple since 2012. In its first decade, the event raised nearly $1 million for Special Olympics Minnesota, reflecting both strong law enforcement leadership and broad community support. In peak years, more than 740 plungers have taken part in a single day at Lakeside Commons Park.
Statewide, funds raised through the Polar Plunge support more than 8,000 athletes across Minnesota. The event is closely tied to the Law Enforcement Torch Run, the largest grassroots fundraising movement for Special Olympics worldwide. Law enforcement participants are known as the “Guardians of the Flame,” symbolizing their role as year-round advocates, fundraisers, and ambassadors for inclusion.
How the Community Can Participate
Community members looking to support their local police department have several ways to get involved. Participants can join a team by registering under a specific department, such as Team Blaine PD, through the official Plunge MN website. Those who prefer to stay dry can donate or sponsor a chief or officer. Each plunger must raise a minimum of $75 to participate, though most law enforcement teams aim far higher. The event is also free to attend, offering spectators a festive atmosphere with costumes, music, and strong community spirit.
As Blaine Police officials made clear in issuing the challenge, the gauntlet is down. The only question now is which Anoka County agency will demonstrate the coldest courage, the strongest fundraising power, and the biggest impact for Special Olympics Minnesota in 2026.
