Police, fire departments prepare for Battle of the Badges

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Living with autism isn't something that's stopping 17-year-old Anthony Geinopolos from achieving his goals.

Geinopolos was diagnosed as a child, and his life has been dramatically changed since getting involved in Easter Seals Southeast Wisconsin's Act for Autism.

"It helped me to live independently and they helped me look for jobs," said Geinopolos.

Now area police officers and firefighters are hitting the ice for the Battle of the Badges to help this cause.

A portion of the proceeds from the game will go towards Act for Autism.

This program is designed to help the now one in 88 children diagnosed on the autism spectrum.

"It isn`t something that goes away. So the earlier we can get kids into treatment the better the outcome," said Easter Seals Southeast Wisconsin Vice-President of Community Engagement Sue Russell.

As the teams practice for the rivalry hockey game, the question is who will win, fire or police?

"I`m going to be honest they don`t have a chance, maybe next year. Go recruit, at Dunkin Donuts," said Milwaukee Firefighter Christian Osell.

"I`ll give the fire department some credit they`ve got some skilled people on their team, but this is the year this is the year they`re going down. I`m sorry that trophy will be coming back to our house,' said Milwaukee Police Officer Kevin Armbruster.

But the real winners are the people like Geinopolos living a happy and successful life, with a little help from his friends at the fire and police departments.

The Battle of the Badges game will take place at the BMO Harris Bradley Center on Sunday, March 30th at 12:30 pm.

Tickets are $19 and that also covers the Admirals game following the Battle of the Badges.

To order tickets call 414-227-0550 and make sure you say you want Battle of the Badges tickets to ensure Act for Autism gets a portion of the proceeds.