Freezin' for a reason
BUTLER TWP — On a sunny but chilly Wednesday afternoon, one by one, water balloons were popped over the heads of state troopers.
With each popped balloon came laughter, mask-hidden smiles and shivers.
“I loved popping the balloons,” said Aiden Ace, 18, of Butler. “I also love playing hockey.”Ace was one of three Special Olympics athletes to attend and pop balloons for the fundraiser conducted outside the state police Butler barracks.Trooper Jim Long said the event replaced its annual polar plunge, which was not feasible this year because of COVID-19. He said state police still were able to raise thousands of dollars for the nonprofit.“We brought the event to the people,” Long said. “It worked out well for us.”According to its mission statement, “Special Olympics strives to create a better world by fostering the acceptance and inclusion of all people.”“I think it's very nice of them to support us,” said athlete Nikki McKinnis, 26, of Prospect.
Long said all three of the athletes who attended were local and the same athletes with whom his troopers have played sports in the past.“Being able to bring local athletes here was special,” Long said. “These are people we know well.”Athlete Cory Brunck, 20, of Sarver, was beaming afterward as he got a photograph with Long in his dowsed uniform.“Today's event was really fun,” Brunck said. “I got to pop a balloon and dump water on Trooper Long. It's the best time of the year to do it.”Brunck said Long is one of the troopers who comes to their practices. He said he has played Long one-on-one in hockey and basketball.“It's fun having the troopers around,” Brunck said. “They're really fun to hang out with.”The fun wasn't only had by the athletes. Those who experienced the “popping” were mostly commanding officers at the barracks, including sergeants, lieutenants and Capt. William Maitland.The other troopers had been given a chance to buy an extra water balloon for $5, which they would be able to throw at their commanding officers after the plunge as part of the event.
The money raised from the troopers was combined with donations by a pair of key sponsors, including Butler County Ford and TRC Construction in Zelienople.“This was so much fun,” said Cathy Glasgow, who popped one of the balloons. “That water was cold. I had some of it down the front of me too.”Glasgow, owner of Butler County Ford, said her family has ties to the state police. She said her father was a mounted state police officer.She said she was proud to support not only the state police, but also the Special Olympics.“It is so great for these athletes,” Glasgow said. “It makes them feel so good about themselves.”
