Madison Fire, Police teams face off on the ice for Battle of the Badges

MADISON, Wis. (WMDX) – Members of the Madison Fire and Police Departments will go head-to-head on the ice rink this Saturday for the fifth annual Battle of the Badges hockey game. The event helps support the nonprofit Safe Communities Madison-Dane County to support people struggling with addiction. 

The event has helped raise over $140,000 for Safe Communities over the years to help cover the cost of thousands of hours of recovery services, training for recovery coaches, and expanding services for expectant mothers. In addition to the $5 cost to enter the event, Safe Communities raises funds at the event through food and drink sales, raffles, and other contests. 

“Too many families in our community are familiar with the pain of addiction,” said Cheryl Wittke, Director of Safe Communities Madison-Dane County. “Events like ‘Battle of the Badges’ help remind us all that no one has to walk these incredibly difficult journeys alone. We live in a compassionate community and this fundraiser is a reminder that while we’re making progress, treatment is time intensive and we know more families and individuals could use a helping hand,” Wittke said.

In addition to the Battle of the Badges hockey game, the event also features an open community skate for everyone to hit the ice, and a Military All-Star Hockey Game. There will also be a 50/50 raffle, a “chuck-a-duck” contest, raffles, and free kids Battle Bags. 

The event will be held at the Madison Ice Arena this Saturday, March 16. Doors open at 2PM, with open skate beginning shortly after. The Military All-Star Game begins at 4:30, and the Battle of the Badges will start at 6:00. Admission is $5, with children 3 and under getting in for free.