Polar Plunge and tourism board events raise funds and community support for Port Jervis fire department

Port Jervis residents and event organizers reported fundraising and activity achievements during the council’s Jan. 13 meeting, recognizing volunteers and sponsors who support local emergency teams and community programming.

Tim Simmons, representing the Port Jervis special operations team, said the Jan. 10 Polar Plunge drew 89 participants into the Delaware River and roughly 200 attendees overall. Simmons said volunteer Chip Espinace collected $1,229 in pledges and donations, and Simmons thanked a long list of local business sponsors that supported the event. The council praised volunteers and the recreation department for their support; the mayor and council members said the funds will benefit the Port Jervis Fire Department special operations team.

Tourism Councilwoman Laura Meyer summarized the tourism board’s 2025 events and said the board presented a check to the fire department special operations team for assistance provided during events. Meyer noted two events added in 2025, the Delaware River Cardboard Boat Regatta and Delaware Beach Party, and announced the tourism board’s Saint Patrick’s Day parade scheduled for Sunday, March 1. She also listed winners of the board’s holiday lighting contest and provided an email contact for parade participation (floralaurapj@yahoo.com).

Council and the tourism board encouraged continued volunteer engagement and local business sponsorship for future events. No operational changes or budget reallocations were proposed at the meeting; event fundraising and sponsorship were characterized as community-supported activities that supplement departmental resources.