Season of 'Freezin' for a Reason' kicks off

Cole County Sheriff John Wheeler takes the "plunge" Wednesday at the 5th Annual Power Hour Plunge to benefit Special Olympics.  (Ken Barnes/News Tribune photo)
Cole County Sheriff John Wheeler takes the "plunge" Wednesday at the 5th Annual Power Hour Plunge to benefit Special Olympics. (Ken Barnes/News Tribune photo)

About 30 people watched as 11 community leaders prepared to run through Jefferson City Fire Department hazmat showers early Wednesday evening.

Some watchers scratched their heads, maybe a little confused by the activity.

Others goaded their favorites on.

The fifth annual Jefferson City Power Hour Plunge brought in more than $8,200 for Special Olympics Missouri. The event has brought in more than $37,000 during its first five years. It pits teams organized by Mayor Carrie Tergin and Cole County Sheriff John Wheeler against each other.

Participants included the mayor and sheriff and other leaders like Missouri Capitol Police Chief Zim Schwartze, Lincoln University Police Chief Gary Hill and others.

Derek Sandbothe, a SOMO athlete and a campus host at the SOMO Training for Life Campus, threw shade at the competitors. Normally, the event brings out slogans like "Freezin' for a Reason.' But the outdoor temperature hovered at about 60 degrees as the plunge began Wednesday evening - way warmer than normal this time of year.

"I did this the very first year we had it, and it was twice as cold as it is today," Sandbothe told them before they walked under the showers. "You guys are getting off way too easy."

They offered to let him join the event.

"I just might," Sandbothe replied.

Then he thanked them for their support of SOMO and offered a little advice - try to get dried off when they finish.

The plunge kicks off a season of plunges, in which law enforcement and firefighters raise money for SOMO.