He did it — and then some. Rumson Police Chief Scott Paterson took a cold, enthusiastic dive into a mission to help a cause and emerged with a warm, victorious feeling about it all.

Paterson not only met, but surpassed his goal of raising $10,000 for Special Olympics of NJ with a total of $11,800 from sponsorships for his personal trek into chilly waters at the Polar Bear Plunge in Seaside Heights on Saturday.

His team, the Little Silver Crocs, comprised of 54 members, brought in more than $73,000, according to the fundraising page.

Chief Paterson was grateful for the generous donations to a cause in which he believes wholeheartedly.

The following is his note of thanks:

“I have been lucky and certainly fortunate enough to work for, and around some great people and to serve in one the best communities in New Jersey.

“My job dictates that I, and my officers, are here to serve and we do that every day. Several years back however, I had an opportunity to serve in a different capacity that I found to be beyond rewarding.

“I began a journey to raise money for the Special Olympics of NJ by participating in the Polar Bear Plunge in Seaside Heights. This year I set a personal goal of $10,000.00.

“I was a little nervous about setting the bar so I high, but nonetheless it was set. Once it was out there for all to see the number started to grow and I am humbled to say that on Saturday, just prior to taking the plunge, my total was $11,800.00.

“Saying thank you is not enough for all the support you all have shown not just me, but this wonderful organization. I had the chance to interact with some of the Olympians on Saturday and the smiles on their faces said it all.

“From the bottom of my heart I want to say thank you and YES, I will be back next year asking again!”