I.U.P.A. members across the nation participate in events to raise money for Special Olympics all year. Recently, members from locals in VA, FL, IN, CO, and TX raised funds for this wonderful cause!

Lakewood Police Union, I.U.P.A. Local #303 members kicked things off in Colorado with the 2025 LETR Kickoff Conference! Lakewood Police Department posted about it on social media, “Several of our agents and fellow local LE agencies, attended the 2025 LETR Kickoff Conference for the Special Olympics. As police officers, we pledge to ‘protect and serve’. Working with these incredible athletes in the Special Olympics is one of the best ways to ‘serve’. Being a bright light to these athletes is rewarding. Truth be told, they’re the bright light for us too! Everyone did an amazing job! #LETRstatekickoffconference #specialolympics #Colorado”

Prince William County Police Association, I.U.P.A. Local #5010 Vice President Billy Franks ran the Polar Plunge event for Prince William County Police Department Police Officers this year, as he does annually, and several members participated. Prince William County Police Department shared about the event, “The 2025 Polar Plunge to benefit Special Olympics Virginia was again a success, with $130,000 raised for the athletes of Special Olympics Virginia.”

The post continued, “The Prince William County Police Department thanks the community for its support in raising money for Special Olympics Virginia, including participating on Polar Plunge teams. Additionally, the Department extends grateful thanks to the sponsors and vendors of this year’s Polar Plunge. Team PWCPD would also like to thank all the Department members and County residents who donated to the Polar Plunge. Money raised during the Polar Plunge benefits Special Olympics, an organization which is supported by law enforcement officers throughout the United States and in 45 countries.”

Also in Virginia, Virginia Beach P.B.A., I.U.P.A. Local #34 members also participated in the Polar Plunge, an annual tradition for them! They posted on social media, “Another cold but successful Polar Plunge! Thanks to all our brave Plungers and to the generous folks who donated! Thanks to Murphy’s Irish Pub for a great team brunch.”

Over in Florida, Fort Myers Police Officers Association, I.U.P.A. Local #6065 members raised funds for Special Olympics by participating in a Torch run! Fort Myers Police Department posted about it on social media, “Lighting the way for a brighter future – supporting the Special Olympics one torch run at a time! #letr”

Coalition of Police, I.U.P.A. Local #911 members over in Texas have previously had Tip a Cop events to raise funds for Special Olympics. In recent months, they posted about their annual Truck Pull with proceeds benefiting the Special Olympics, “Constable Mark Herman’s office participated in a high-water truck pull competition against other local first responder agencies supporting the Special Olympics. C4 Crusher’s took First place for the fourth year in a row with a time of 12:16 seconds! The next closest team of 13:81 seconds was the Harris County Sheriff’s Office followed by 14:44 by the Houston Police Department. It was a fun time for all!”

Just prior to that, members attended the Special Olympics swim meet and the department shared about it, “Constable Mark Herman’s Office attended the Special Olympics Swim Meet held at Klein High School. Athlete Gabby was kind enough to hold The Torch of Hope and take photographs prior to her swim events. Representing Constable Herman was Lieutenant Hight and Sergeant Colley. Thank you for having us!”

In Indiana, Terre Haute, I.U.P.A.  Local #133 members participated in a Tip a Cop event and the Polar Plunge! Terre Haute Police Department posted about the Polar Plunge, “We had a blast making a splash at this year’s Polar Plunge! Huge thanks to everyone who organized, participated, and supported this awesome event. All proceeds go to Special Olympics Indiana, which has called Terre Haute home for decades. We’re always proud to take part and support such a great cause!”

Terre Haute Police Department also posted about the Tip a Cop event, “We want to extend our thanks to Texas Roadhouse for hosting the Terre Haute Police Department and several law enforcement agencies from our community as we ‘invaded’ the restaurant to raise funds for Indiana Special Olympics. Sorry our officers were trying to steal tips but at least it’s for such an incredible cause. Without the support of our local businesses and community, we wouldn’t be able to accomplish nearly as much for the amazing athletes of Special Olympics. Thank you to everyone who came out, donated, and showed their support!”

Each week, the I.U.P.A. Briefing Room features a photo that exemplifies the valuable part of the community that our Law Enforcement Officers all across the U.S. are and their positive impact as well as their dedication, service, and sacrifice.

Submit your photos today to be considered for the photo of the week next week to alinaj@iupa.org.

Previous photos of the week have included: