WINTHROP, Maine – A team of 26 from the Maine Department of Corrections (MDOC) jumped into the frigid waters of Maranacook Lake during the Maine Law Enforcement Ice Out Plunge on March 16, 2024, in support of Special Olympics Maine. Team MDOC raised $6,280 in donations out of the more than $50,000, a record total amount for the annual event.
“The message of Special Olympics’ great cause on behalf of those with intellectual disabilities reached more ears and hearts,” said Supervisor and Leadership Training Manager Kevin Kidd who organized MDOC’s participation. “In addition, Special Olympic athletes were provided more support via the Ice Out Plunge than ever before!”
The annual event is presented by Maine Law Enforcement and hosted by the Winthrop American Legion Post #40. Several divisions within MDOC were represented including Maine State Prison of Warren, Maine Correctional Center (MCC) of Windham, Mountain View Correctional Center of Charleston, Adult Probation and Juvenile Community Corrections, the MDOC Honor Guard, and the Central Office in Augusta.
Participating MDOC employees had to raise at least $100 to take the plunge and they wore custom shirts designed and produced by Women’s Center residents in the Industries Program at MCC. Team MDOC is next preparing for the annual Maine State Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Maine later this year.
Kevin Kidd, Gary LaPlante, and Steven French from MDOC Central Office hit the water during the Law Enforcement Ice Out Plunge 2024 at Maranacook Lake.
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