News Flash

The Osage Beach Police Department is diving into Lake of the Ozarks to raise funds for Special Olympics Missouri (SOMO). 

Celebrating its 30th year, the Polar Plunge is one of SOMO’s signature fundraisers. The event supports year-round sports training and competitions for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. On Saturday, Feb. 22, participants will gather at Grand Glaize Beach to brave the icy waters of the lake, running, jumping, and plunging into the frigid cold to show their commitment to the cause. It’s an event that’s truly “unBEARable”! 

The department has strong ties to the Special Olympics, with Chief Todd Davis participating for more than 20 years—15 of those completing the Law Enforcement Torch Run Super Plunge, which requires 24 frosty plunges into the lake within 24 hours. Super Plungers must raise $2,500 as a part of their commitment.

It’s an annual tradition hosted by law enforcement agencies nationwide. For many Osage Beach officers, it’s a family affair. Chief Davis’s daughters have participated in the Polar Plunge since they were kids; oldest daughter Paige will mark her third year braving the Super Plunge next month. 

The Davis family also introduced a third generation to the fun. Last year, Davis’s newborn grandson took part in his first Pee Wee Plunge, an event for children up to 9 years old. “I am honored to participate in this Special Olympics fundraiser alongside my family,” said Davis. “It’s an incredible feeling to come together for such a meaningful cause year after year.”

Osage Beach Police Department Lieutenant Mike O’Day has participated in the Super Plunge for 17 years – that’s more than 400 dips into icy water in support of Special Olympics. This year, he passed the torch onto his daughter Kelsey, who will soon celebrate her third Super Plunge. Lt. O’Day remains involved in fundraising and events for the organization. 

Another department family taking the plunge are the Morleys, who were both recently recognized as outstanding volunteers with SOMO. Sgt. Travis Morley is a 17-year veteran and Communications Supervisor Lexie Morley, who has been with the department nearly 15 years, directs the day-to-day operations of the 911 Center.

Together, they fundraise year-round, serve on the Lake of the Ozarks Plunge committee, and participate in Polar Plunge events they help coordinate. They also coordinate fun sports activities like flag football, track-and-field, bocce ball and bowling for the Camden County Can-Doers, a local Special Olympics team they coach with Luke Phillips, the husband of another Osage Beach officer.

"Volunteering for Special Olympics and coaching a Special Olympics sports team are rewarding experience,” said Lexie Morley. “Building relationships with athletes, seeing their determination, joy, and teamwork firsthand reminds me every day why it's such a privilege to be a part of their journey.”

The 2025 Polar Plunge kicks off with the Polar Bear strut and chili cook-off, followed by the Pee Wee Plunge, Polar Plunge and parade of costumes. Special events are planned to celebrate the event’s 30^th anniversary. 

Every dollar raised in the Polar Plunge will go toward programming like this to support more than 12,000 Special Olympics athletes in Missouri. This year, SOMO hopes to reach $1 million in donations, surpassing last year’s statewide total of $980,000. 

 Event Information

What: 30^th Annual Polar Plunge

When: Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025

Where: Grand Glaize Beach at Lake of the Ozarks State Park, 711 Public Beach Rd., Osage Beach, MO 65065

How to sign up: Visit plungemo.org and select “Lake of the Ozarks” to register online; registration for the Polar Strut begins on-site at 9 a.m. the day of the Plunge. Registration fees and fundraising requirements vary by event.

How to donate: Visit somo.org. If you would like to donate items for the auction or are interested in becoming a sponsor of the Polar Plunge, please contact Sgt. Morley or Lexie Morley at the Osage Beach Police Department. 

Both photos: 2023 Special Olympics Polar Plunge - Grand Glaize Beach, Lake of the Ozarks State Park