Fallen Hero Polar Plunge once again tops 1,000 participants

Courtesy of North Wildwood Recreation & Tourism

For the second straight year, the Fallen Hero Polar Plunge topped 1,000 participants, in the process raising big money for several great causes.

The 12th annual version of the event was held this past Saturday, February 22, on the beach at 16th Avenue in North Wildwood.

According to Dennis Dool of North Wildwood Recreation & Tourism, 1,200 costumed and colorful plungers stormed the ocean, raising an estimated total of $80,000 - $85,000 to benefit the Philadelphia Fallen Hereos Fund, MRSA Awareness and local scholarships.

Held every February, the Fallen Hero Polar Plunge is dedicated to the memory of law enforcement heroes who lost their lives in the line of duty.

Conditions were unseasonably mild, taking nothing away from those who braved the elements - we're still talking February at the seashore here. Our unofficial observations at 11 am, the time of the plunge, had sunny conditions with a light 12 mph wind out of the west. The air temperature was 42 degrees and the water temp also at about 42 degrees.

Check out photos and video of the festivities, courtesy of North Wildwood Recreation & Tourism; also, follow the Fallen Hero Polar Plunge on Facebook for additional updates.

It was announced that next year's event will take place on Saturday, February 27.