Emergency responders in Middleton support families affected by childhood cancer through a Battle of the Badges event
The Battle of the Badges fundraiser, a cherished event in Middleton, Wisconsin, is set to return on Saturday morning. This friendly competition between the Middleton Police Department and the Middleton Fire District will take place at Firefighters Memorial Park, located at 3200 Pleasant View Rd [1].
The event, established in 2012, aims to raise funds and awareness for families affected by childhood diseases. Each year, it honours a local child or family, with this year's event supporting 2-year-old Lenny Kossack from Cross Plains, who is battling neuroblastoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer [1].
Lenny's family, including her mother Melissa, have expressed their gratitude towards the firefighters and police officers for hosting the event in Lenny's honour. In June, Lenny underwent surgery to remove the largest tumor and has shown positive progress in her recovery [1]. On Saturday, Lenny will throw the first pitch at 10:00 a.m.
Police Officer Julie Carbon, who is hosting the event for the third year, finds the event to be a rewarding opportunity to bring the community together for some friendly rivalry. Battalion Chief Eric Porter is ready to compete in the softball game against the police department [1].
The event is more than just a game, it's a family-friendly community event that includes concessions, games, face painting, prizes, and a silent auction [1]. Over the years, families who have been previously supported by the fundraiser have returned to participate and witness the community's continued support [1].
For Officer Carbon, seeing these children happy and healthy means a lot. She believes the event is a great opportunity to do a little something for a family, while also building community with fellow participants [1].
The coin toss will start at 9:55 a.m. on Saturday at Firefighters Memorial Park. The Battle of the Badges fundraiser in Middleton, Wisconsin, continues to be a testament to the community's spirit and support for families affected by childhood diseases, combining sports and social activities to engage residents and emergency services in a charitable cause [1].
[1] Source: Middleton Times-Tribune, 2025.
- In the spirit of health and wellness, the Battle of the Badges fundraiser aims to support families affected by medical conditions like cancer, specifically children battling rare diseases such as neuroblastoma.
- The event, combined with activities such as softball games, concessions, and a silent auction, serves not only as a friendly competition between the Middleton Police Department and Fire District but also as a platform for community engagement and support for families affected by health challenges.
