Brother in Blue: Officers Help Lieutenant Fighting Rare Cancer

The annual Waukesha Police vs. Fire Basketball game is set for tipoff – and this game is especially meaningful this year.

Each year, the police officers and firefighters take it to the court to raise money for causes that are especially important to each group. Waukesha police officers have won twice and the firefighters have taken home the win once, but more than personal pride is on the line. It’s about helping families in need.

A portion of the proceeds will benefit the firefighter’s charity of choice: the burn victim camp at Camp Timberlee. And this year, the Waukesha police officers are choosing to give to a neighboring police officer who is facing his own battle.

Brookfield Police Lt. Tom Vento has been fighting a rare and deadly form of cancer for more than a dozen years, according to Waukesha Police Department flyer.

“Tom, husband and father of two, as well as a brother in blue, has been fighting this battle for the past thirteen years in which he has undergone 14 surgeries, the most recent of which occurred in January of 2014,” the flyer states. “Tom has been a driving force in law enforcement since 1987, family man, friend to many, instructor at WCTC, and Commander of the Suburban Critical Incident Team. Let’s give back to a guy who has given so much.”

The matchup begins at 7 p.m. Friday, April 4, at Catholic Memorial High School after the National Anthem is sung by Jody Bryzcki.Tickets are $4 for adults before April 4, $5 at the door, $3 for children ages 13-18 and free for children ages 12 and under. 

The event will include raffle prizes. The annual basketball game is brought to the community through the Waukesha Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association.