Cops vs. Kids kickball game builds community connections in Milwaukee

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) — Children faced off against members of the Milwaukee Police Department in a friendly kickball game Friday morning at Cooper Park.

The second annual Cops vs. Kids kickball game is designed to build positive relationships between law enforcement officers and the communities they serve.

"I grew up in the city of Milwaukee, and I remember police officers coming to the school with baseball cards," said Pastor Troy Cotton, one of the event's organizers. "We played basketball with them, and we want to bring that atmosphere and that environment back to our community."

Cotton said the event gives children an opportunity to interact with police officers in a positive setting while also showing officers that their work is appreciated.

"Every single day they are protecting and serving, so we're going to make sure that we feed them with some burgers and hot dogs, and pray over them as well and let them know that the community cares about what they do on a day-to-day basis," Cotton said.