February 12, 2020 - JAMESTOWN – Braving the frigid waters of Lake Tulloch on Saturday, February 8, local law enforcement and business leaders participated in the yearly Polar Plunge to support Special Olympics Northern California.

A team of employees from Sierra Conservation Center (SCC) donned costumes and plunged for charity. The California Highway Patrol, Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Department, Sonora Police Department, Livingston Police Department, and the Tuolumne County District Attorney joined the effort.

The event raised nearly $31,000 to support Special Olympic athletes in their training and travel costs.

“The water was chilly but the cause was definitely worthwhile and fun,” SCC Lt. Ricardo Jauregui said. “SCC will definitely participate again next year and try to raise even more money for their great organization.”

Facilities throughout CDCR partner with Special Olympics during the year for other events as well, including Tip-A-Cop, Cop on a Rooftop, charity softball games and the Law Enforcement Torch Run. Special Olympics Northern California serves more than 13,000 athletes, providing free year-round sports training and competitions, school programs and health resources.

SCC opened in 1965 and houses approximately 2850 inmates. SCC is one of only two prisons in the state responsible for the training and placement of male inmates in the Conservation Camp Program. SCC administers 19 male camps located from Central California to the Southern California border. Approximately 2800 inmates, all volunteers, are housed in 37 conservation camps operated by CDCR, in conjunction with CAL FIRE and the Los Angeles County Fire Department. The conservation camp program mission is to provide critical fire suppression services while also working alongside first responders during other community emergency disaster events such as earthquakes and floods.
Source: CDCR