On October 11, 2025, the Manheim Township Police and Manheim Township Professional Firefighters will be hosting the 2nd Annual Battle of the Badges charity hockey game between Lancaster County Police and Lancaster County Fire at the Lancaster Ice Rink. The two teams, made up only of Lancaster County’s Finest and Bravest, will fight it out on the ice to raise money for The Yard Foundation.
Last year, this hard-fought game saw 35 first responders from 17 local police and fire agencies partner with over 300 Lancaster County community members in a house full of energy, age-old rivalry, and, most importantly, charity. The Firefighters managed to edge out a narrow victory, but the real headline was the community coming together to raise $7,800 for the Lancaster County Children's Alliance Center.
“This game is more than just a hockey game to us. It is an opportunity for the two biggest hockey rivals in the county to come together in the name of charity and giving,” said IAFF L5423 President, Firefighter Ryan Gardill.
This community event will be held at Lancaster Ice Rink, located at 371 Carrera Drive, Lancaster, PA. Puck-drop is scheduled for 2:15 PM on Saturday, October 11, 2025. The event will include an opening ceremony with an Honor Guard presentation, a "Touch-A-Truck" event with police and fire vehicles present for kids to tour, a 50/50 raffle, a silent auction, and concessions/merchandise available for purchase. All proceeds from the game will be donated directly to the Yard Foundation.
The Yard Foundation, started in 2015, is a first responder charity that assists first responders and their families in times of crisis, illness, and line of duty deaths. Each year, The Yard Foundation has provided first responders and their families thousands of dollars to dampen the financial burden in times of crisis.
In light of the recent tragedy in York County, the game will be played in honor of Northern York County Regional Police Department Det. Baker, Det. Emenheiser, and Det. Sgt. Becker. The Yard Foundation has generously pledged to donate all proceeds of this game to the families of the fallen officers.
"Last year was our first year holding this game, and we have no idea why we waited so long to do it. The cops and firefighters in the game work side-by-side as one team out on the street, and some of us even get together to play on the same hockey teams for other charity games or tournaments, said Manheim Township Police Corporal, Marc Wiczkowski.”
“Despite that, last year's game was a gritty and competitive battle beyond our expectations. It was cool to see all of these people, who are effectively coworkers, go to war between the buzzers but still be able to get together and celebrate the true purpose of the event - giving back to our community."
To learn more about the event, please visit: Battle of the Badges Charity Hockey Game