ORANGE — Athol Police and Fire will take to the field against first responders from Orange for the third year in a row in an effort to connect with the community, while also raising money for a local family battling breast cancer.

Orange Police Officer Evangeline Cakounes explained that the annual softball game, also known as the Battle of the Badges, provides a valuable opportunity for the community to interact with officers out of uniform, all while supporting a family in need.

“We try to keep it so that people know that people in their community are helping them through such a tough time,” Cakounes explained.

The event has raised roughly $5,000 each year for other local families battling cancer, Cakounes said. This year’s family wishes to remain anonymous.

The event will begin at 12 p.m. at Butterfield Park in Orange on Oct. 5 with vendors, games and raffles. At 4 p.m., the softball game will begin.

Cakounes explained that the organizers try to keep the event first responder themed, so in previous years, they’ve included a donut-eating contest. This year, the Erving Police Department will provide a K-9 demonstration.

“It’s just a super fun event,” Cakounes said.

Those interested in donating raffle prizes or being a vendor at the event can reach out to Cakounes at 978-544-2129 or ecakounes@townoforange.org.