There’s going to be a rematch in Waukesha, and neither side plans on backing down. Hopefully no one needs to be tasered or go for a ride in an ambulance.

It’s a battle for pride as Waukesha police officers and firefighters take it to the court at 7 p.m. March 30 for the second annual basketball challenge.

The friendly competition, although gives one of the groups bragging rights for a year, is also for a good cause. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Wisconsin Special Olympics, Burn Camp at Camp Timberlee and Waukesha Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association.

• See Photos From Last Year's Game

The Waukesha Police Department has long-supported the Special Olympics of Wisconsin and chose to donate a portion of the proceeds from the event to that organization. The Special Olympics athletes love the relationship the police officers have with them, often running over to give the officers giant hugs during fundraising events.

“Both are worthy causes that we are proud to support,” said Joe Strandlie, captain of the police department’s team and a school resource officer at Waukesha South High School.

Dealing with burn victims is a sad reality for the Waukesha firefighters, and they have a strong relationship working with victims of fires. Each summer they head to East Troy to participate in the burn victim camp, which is a chance for kids who have been injured to spend a week with others who have scars just like them. For some of the children and teens, it is the one week out of the year they can be normal.

“It is a way for us to unite with them and to show them that we like to do special things for them other than just fight fires,” said Mark Wichser, equipment operator and captain for the fire department.­­­­­­­
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The game begins at 7 p.m. March 30 at Catholic Memorial High School. Tickets are available at the local Waukesha State Bank offices.  Adult tickets are $4 in advance and $5 at the door. Students are $3, and children under 12 are free.