Salem County FOP Lodge #6 will participate in the 2016 Polar Bear Plunge in Wildwood on Jan. 16.
When Donald Rambo was in college, he and his friends would sometimes drive to the shore in the winter and take a dip in the cold Atlantic.
"You know, just for something to do," Rambo said.
So when he heard there was going to be an FOP-sponsored Polar Bear Plunge in Wildwood in 2007 to raise money for Special Olympics NJ, he decided to participate.
"I came back and started talking to the guys about it," he said. "The next year, five or six people went with me, and it's just grown from there."
Rambo is now Team Captain for the Salem County FOP Lodge #6 crew of plungers, and is preparing his team of between 90 and 100 members for this year's event on Jan. 16.
"We don't really prepare," Rambo said in reference to the chilly trip into the ocean. "It's a matter of just doing it. You never know unless you try. It's kind of like Brussell Sprouts -- some people try them and never try them again. Other people keep on eating them."
MORE: More than $325K raised at 2015 Polar Plunge
The biggest challenge is raising funds, Rambo said.
"We've been the top overall fund raisers for the last five years, and the top FOP lodge since they started counting," he said.
The team raised approximately $45,000 two years ago, but since that plunge, donations have been harder to come by.
"Last year and this year, so far, have been a little less because of the economy," he said. "Salem County doesn't have a lot of big businesses or industry to go to and collect funds, so it's a matter of people giving. But if you have 100 people who donate $25, that's $2,500. I can't say enough about the people of Salem County."
And all the money raised goes to Special Olympics NJ.
"I've been plunging for seven years," said FOP executive board member and plunger Wayne Lauer. "I do it for several reasons. First, the athletes and their families. Second, as an effort to support the FOP and our efforts toward positive community relationships. I always look forward to the plunge."
Rambo said also one of the main reasons he has been so involved in the Plunge is the athletes it supports.
"It's a great thing," he said.
In 2014, the Special Olympics USA Games were held in New Jersey and the Salem County FOP plungers were asked to help out.
"We were part of Project Welcome," he said. "We were at the airport and welcomed all the athletes from all over the country."
He said seeing the athletes arrive and knowing how much they appreciated the team being there to greet them was a great feeling.
Lauer agreed.
"It's a great time for a great cause with great people," he said.
Rambo said it's not too late to join the team.
"You can register online up until midnight on Jan. 12," he said. "And anyone can donate online."
To join the team or donate, visit www.salemcountyfop.org/polarbearplunge.
Kelly Roncace may be reached at kroncace@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @kellyroncace. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.