'The Badge' Prevails Over 'The Bully'

(PHOTOS: Manchester Township Police Officer Chris Cerullo, “The Badge,” defeats Josh “The Bully” Adams during a charity wrestling match at Manchester Township High School. Courtesy Manchester Township Police Department)

Manchester Township Police Officer Chris Cerullo, “The Badge,” got the best of ”The Bully” on Saturday during his battle, but the Heroes and Cool Kids mentoring program walked away with the most important prize of the day -- more than $1,000 in funding and more awareness.

Cerullo, who serves as school resource officer in the Manchester Township School District, prevailed against Josh “The Bully” Adams Saturday before a packed house at the Manchester Township High School gym, during the South Jersey Wrestling event, Manchester Police Department Capt. Lisa Parker said.

“It was an awesome time, especially because of all the kids and parents who showed up for a good cause and cheered me on ringside,” Cerullo said. After the match, Cerullo invited the children onto the ring to celebrate his victory. Many Manchester Police Officers and Mayor Ken Palmer were also in attendance to support the cause.

Heroes and Cool Kids is a mentoring program which utilizes current and former pro athletes to help high school students mentor those in middle school. These athletes train high school students on highly successful methods of mentoring middle school students on important life skills, including sportsmanship, conflict resolution and positive lifestyle choices highlighting drug, alcohol and tobacco prevention. More information about the program is available at www.heroesandcoolkids.org.

Cerullo said there is interest in holding the charity event again next year. The Manchester Township Police would like to thank South Jersey Wrestling and the Manchester Township School District for making the event possible, Parker said.