Kings County Criminal Bar kicks off 2026 with a ‘Polar Plunge’

From left: William Santo, Esq.; Michael Farkas, Esq.; Nicole Massab; Noel Downey; Arthur Aidala, Esq.; and Peter Forman. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Mario Belluomo

CONEY ISLAND — The Kings County Criminal Bar Association (KCCBA), a community legal organization dedicated to improving Brooklyn’s criminal justice system, took their annual plunge into the freezing waters of the Atlantic off of Coney Island the morning of Jan. 1.

Temperatures in the low 20s did not deter KCCBA members from ringing in the new year alongside members of the Coney Island Polar Bear Club, founded by Bernarr Macfadden in 1903 as one of the oldest winter swimming organizations in the U.S.

From left: Court Officer Capt. James Campbell, Arthur Aidala, Esq., and Michael Farkas, Esq. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Mario Belluomo

Over the years, the Polar Bear Club, which celebrated its 103rd “New Year’s Day Plunge” on Thursday, has raised over $1 million to support charities — many located in the Coney Island community.

Noel Downey, left, alongside Michael Farkas, Esq. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Mario Belluomo
Evolution of a dip

Prominent criminal defense attorney Arthur Aidala, KCCBA’s vice president, was the initial catalyst for KCCBA’s “Polar Plunge,” spearheading the first dip in 2011.

Aidala is also managing partner of Aidala, Bertuna & Kamins PC, which handles criminal defense, civil litigation, appeals and corporate legal matters.

“Originally, it was just me and a few of my friends, and I had no idea what to expect,” Aidala told the Brooklyn Eagle. “It was such an invigorating and exhilarating experience, and over the last 15 years, it just built!”

From left: Christina Pesce, Arthur Aidala, Esq., and Hon. Michael Pesce. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Mario Belluomo

According to Aidala, longtime KCCBA member Michael Farkas, Esq., took things to a whole new level when he first became involved in 2016.

“I brought bagels, orange juice and coffee, but Michael started in with cooking steaks, rolling out fresh pizza and so much more!” Aidala recalled.

From left: Arthur Aidala, Esq.; William Santo, Esq.; Hon. Michael Pesce; and Michael Farkas, Esq. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Mario Belluomo

Aidala said the KCCBA had a great group in attendance despite the cold, windy weather on New Year’s Day. “It was an eclectic mix.”

He likens the plunge to a baptism of sorts.

“When you jump into that cold water, it’s cleansing. Out with the old year, and in with the new, I say. It’s time for a fresh start!”

KCCBA members, alongside members of the Brooklyn legal community, friends and families. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Mario Belluomo
KCCBA: ‘An extended family’

Farkas told the Eagle that he and Aidala, both sons of career trial lawyers, are “brothers in the profession” dating back to their shared roots as assistant district attorneys under Joe Hynes, Kings County district attorney from 1990 to 2013.

He recalled Aidala asking him to be part of the Polar Bear tradition 10 years ago, along with some of his other close friends.

From left: Arthur Aidala, Esq., Cat Lau Hunt and Christian Carmody. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Mario Belluomo

“I couldn’t resist — even though I thought I’d never do that craziness!” Farkas explained. “I grew up thinking that the people who did the Plunge were out of their minds, but now I’m one of them and proud of it!”

Farkas has been a KCCBA member for his entire career. He was president in 2015 and 2016, and his father, George, became a member some 20 years before.

Pushups pre-plunge. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Mario Belluomo

“It’s much more than just an association for criminal law practitioners. It’s an extended family — bringing together prosecutors, public defenders, private attorneys and the judiciary,” he said.

“We all look out for each other as much as we support the betterment of the criminal justice system. It’s a very special group of dedicated professionals.”

NYPD officers alongside Brooklyn Cyclones Mascot Sandy the Seagull. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Mario Belluomo

KCCBA members also serve the greater legal community by maintaining leadership positions in citywide and statewide bar associations, serving on advisory committees and panels, and promoting charitable causes.

The organization advocates for its members and the Brooklyn criminal courts by providing regular continuing legal education programs on criminal justice topics, maintaining a referral service for semi-indigent representation and organizing frequent networking events, all to promote the exchange of ideas and the administration of justice.