Patroling Bedford may keep police officers on their toes, but one event took Sgt. Rob Gagliardi’s breath away.

Last year, Gagliardi took part in the annual Special Olympics of New Hampshire’s “Penguin Plunge” – a benefit when hundreds of people raise money by jumping in the ice cold waters at Hampton Beach.

“I’ve been involved with the Special Olympics in some way since the beginning of my career,” said Gagliardi, who has been with the Bedford Dolice Department for about 16 years.

This year, the plunge takes place at noon Sunday, Feb. 4, and 10 members of the Bedford Police Department hope to take on the cold waters but need the community’s help to get there.

To swim, each person must raise $300. So far, the department has raised $225 of the $3,000 it needs, Gagliardi said.

“How much we raise will depend on how many guys get to do it,” Gagliardi said. “I guess that’s part of the ‘serve’ of our ‘protect and serve,’” Gagliardi said.

Under Gagliardi’s guidance, Bedford officers will take the plunge to benefit the Bedford Bobcats Special Olympics team.

Penguin Plunge 2007 will be the eighth annual event. Last year, more than $455,000 was raised by about 700 swimmers, according to Special Olympics New Hampshire’s Web site.

More information can be found at www.sonh.org or contact the Bedford Police Department at 472-5113.

Peter Woodbury School Principal Ken Williams’ “Artful Dodgers” will also take part in this year’s “Penguin Plunge,” with Chip McGee, superintendent of curriculum, several teachers and district staff. To donate, call Williams at 622-0431.