In a heartfelt nod to the past, the New Berlin Police Department reminded the community of a time when camaraderie and competition between law enforcement officers had a philanthropic edge. Taking to social media, they shared memories of the early 1990s when public safety officers from New Berlin and Brookfield squared off in football games that were more than just about bragging rights. According to the New Berlin Police Department's post #THROWBACK THURSDAY, these games were fundraisers that supported the Special Olympics of Wisconsin – an organization that emerged as the true victor of these spirited clashes.
While the scores have faded into oblivion, the legacy of those communal efforts in supporting athletes with intellectual disabilities continues to resonate. "Special Olympics of Wisconsin was the winner of every game," the New Berlin Police Department nostalgically recounted. Although the tradition of the football fundraiser may have ended, their commitment to the cause certainly hasn't, having traded the gridiron for other philanthropic events. With the police department now committed to other activities, such as the Law Enforcement Torch Run, Tip a Cop, and Dunkin's Cop on the Rooftop, they continue to support Special Olympics of Wisconsin throughout the year.
These contemporary events provide a new kind of public engagement, offering residents opportunities to interact with local law enforcement in settings far removed from routine patrols or station visits. While activities such as officers serving food for charity or standing on a donut shop rooftop may lack the intensity of a football game, they bring a comparable ability to unite the community behind a shared cause. Through each casual conversation, handshake, and cup of coffee, officers continue to foster the same spirit of camaraderie and generosity that defined the department’s fundraising efforts in the early 1990s.
The New Berlin Police Department noted that its transition from football games to a wider range of charity events reflects not only a shift in fundraising strategies but an expanded approach to community engagement. While the department looked back on past athletic fundraisers with appreciation, the message underscored the enduring impact these efforts have had on athletes with intellectual disabilities and the broader community. Although the format of support has evolved, the mission remains the same: to assist Special Olympics Wisconsin in providing year-round sports training and athletic opportunities—a commitment that continues to deliver meaningful results for the organization and the residents it serves.
