Police officers and firefighters duke it out to help those with autism

MILWAUKEE -- You usually see them fighting crime or fires, but this weekend firefighters and police officers will battle it out on the ice for a good cause.

In "Battle of the Badges," the Milwaukee Police Department takes on the Milwaukee Fire Department in a hockey game to benefit those with autism. "It's always a competitive game, and as long as it's competitive it's fun," Milwaukee police detective Kevin Armbruster said.

This event is the big kick-off to Autism Awareness Month. "One in every 100 children is diagnosed with autism, and the earlier the diagnosis and the earlier the intervention, the better the outcomes are for children. "Money raised at this game and through the entire month of April will go to help support those autism services for families," Sue Russell with Easter Seals Disability Services said.

Battle of the Badges players will hit the ice at the Bradley Center following an Admirals game. "There is very little time in between the two games and people will be able to see two great hockey games for the price of one," Admirals President Jon Greenberg said.

Although this is a friendly competition, the big question is who is going to win - the police department or the fire department? "The fire department has a lot of free time, so they can work on their skills," Armbruster said.

"It's time that we throw it down on the ice and the police department is going to go home or at least eat a couple of donuts across the street," Milwaukee firefighter Christian Osell said.

The rivalry is all fun and games, as everyone is a winner when it comes to helping out charities.

The Battle of the Badges will take place Sunday, April 1st at the Bradley Center. The Admirals game begins at 3:00 pm and the Battle of the Badges will follow.

To order tickets, call 414-227-0550 and mention "battle autism" for your ticket proceeds to go to autism services.