The Austin Fire and Police Departments work together often to help keep Austin safe and Saturday will be no different — even if they are, for just this time, playing for the win.

The departments will hold their fifth annual softball game fundraiser at Todd Park, with money this year to be put toward helping off-set the costs of new security doors installed at Austin’s elementary schools.

“It’s just something to do for the community,” said Chris Grunewald of the Austin Fire Department.

Past games have raised money for things like the Mower County Care Council and trees for Todd Park to replace those that were blown down in the 2009 tornado.

This year when the departments got together to make their decision on where to put the money, the security doors at the elementary schools seemed the best choice.

Neveln Elementary Principal Dewey Schara, helped advocate having the doors installed along with the district’s liason officers.

“It’s just one more barrier to check who is coming in the building,” Schara said. “At Neveln, our office is so far from the entry that somebody could come in and go upstairs very, very easily.

“Protecting kids is a huge priority.”

The doors require visitors to buzz into the office before being allowed to enter. Cameras are also installed at the doors to see who is waiting for admittance.

The fundraiser will once again feature the fire and police department’s softball game with hot dog, chips and pop for $4. However, new this year is a 5K run.

So far 50 runners have signed up for the run according to the Austin Police Department’s Mark Walski, liason officer for Austin High School.

“It’s just something new,” he said.

With each meal purchased the person will also receive a raffle tickets for various prizes that include various gift certificates from businesses around Austin.

Vehicles from both the fire and police departments will also be on display as well as a K-9 demonstration following the run.

As for the game itself, the police department has some catching up to do. Since its inception five years ago when it was the various emergency departments facing off against members of the National Guard, the police department has struggled to find a win.

AFD has remained undefeated in the game’s history.

“This year we’ll be competitive,” Walski said with a laugh.

“It’s a good day to have fun,” he added. To which Grunewald added, “And raise money for a good cause at the same time.”

Anybody who wants to make a donation can send a check to the Austin Police Department at 201 First Street NE, Austin. Checks should be made payable to the city of Austin Police and Fire Trust Fund.