Plunge
Annual Polar
5th Annual
2 25th
Polar Bear
Bear Plu
nge
Local 116 brings the enthusiasm
Port Authority Local 116 member John DeFilippo couldn’t pinpoint exactly
why he has come to the Polar Bear Plunge for 18 consecutive years now. There
are so many reasons why he wanted to stand in the surf and wave the two flags
he was flying – one for the Local and one to commemorate the 37 members Lo-
cal 116 lost on 9/11.
He was also in it for kids.
“The kids like this guy right here,” DeFilippo shouted as he grabbed a younger
member of the 60-person team representing the Port Authority this year. “And
it’s all about charity. You’ve got to give back. Why else would you do this?”
He added that he keeps coming back to be part of what he believes is the single
largest law enforcement event in the country. He keeps coming back to help Spe-
cial Olympics surpass its goal of raising more than $2 million from the plunge.
The rain, the cold and the cold water could never deter an officer like this, who
knows how to overcome more excruciating plunge conditions that often come.
“It was only 40 degrees today,” DeFilippo shared. “Usually, it’s in the 20s or 30s,
so it felt a little like being in a bathtub.”
The enthusiasm coming from Local 116 is contagious and might be what
compels law enforcement officers to keep coming back. DeFilippo seemed to be
getting more amped with each return plunge and made sure to give a shoutout
to Local 116 President Paul Nunziato in the process.
“Paulie…Paulie,” he yelled. “It’s all about the pride, my friend. We do this to
keep our game tight. Got to keep our game tight. Me and you are breathing to-
day. Some aren’t. So we make it work.” d
44
NEW JERSEY COPS
■ MARCH 2018
Port Authority Local 116 member John DeFilippo waves
his Local’s flag as he goes back for one more dip during
the Polar Bear Plunge.