FRANKLYWNOW - Anchorage’s Goose Lake prepped for 7th annual Polar Plunge

Firefighters from Station 4 spent Friday afternoon using chainsaws to cut through the 12-inch thick ice at Anchorage’s Goose Lake, all in preparation for the 7th annual Polar Plunge.

“The fire department and members are looking to get out in the community, we all live here. So we have the equipment and it’s good for us to get out and use the stuff and meet the people and get wet,” said firefighter Landon Forth.

The Polar Plunge is Special Olympics’ largest fundraiser, and this year’s goal is $500,000. Over $347,000 in donations was raised in 2014.

“It gives us a chance for more athletes to get involved, more coaching and get our guys more physically fit so they can do their best on the playing field,” said Special Olympics President Jim Balamaci.

Planning the event takes months of coordination and more than 200 volunteers. Law enforcement officers from different agencies also pitch in to put on the plunge.

“It’s a good time. We see each other, we work together but this is a time we get to come together and have some fun. So that’s always better,” said UAA Police Chief Brad Munn.

Chief Munn along with an FBI agent and state trooper volunteered to take a test dip in the water after the firefighters finished carving the hole.

“We’re all freezing for a reason, right? And it is the season,” said Balamaci. “So, Alaskans, come out because this is the coolest event you’ll do this year.”

The event begins Saturday, December 19 at 10 a.m. at Goose Lake and will be streamed LIVE from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Watch the 2015 Polar Plunge.

The post Anchorage’s Goose Lake prepped for 7th annual Polar Plunge appeared first on KTVA 11.