An annual raffle to benefit police officers has grown to offer 30 prizes donated by local businesses.

The drawing for the third annual police officers raffle, sponsored by Fenelton Firearms in Fenelton and Curtis Industries of Kittanning, will be held Dec. 5 beginning at 2 p.m. at Fenelton Firearms.

“The first year we had 10 prizes, last year it was 21 and now we’re up to 30,” said John Curtis of Curtis Industries.

Tickets for the raffle, which is open only to active duty police officers in Western Pennsylvania, can be purchased at Fenelton Firearms through the day of the drawing.

Two of the prizes, a handgun and lighted gun sight, were donated by Chip Echnoz of ESS NexTier Insurance of Kittanning.

Echnoz said he enjoys donating to causes that support police.

“I donate to many different causes and organizations. Mainly cancer research, good nonprofits and police officers,” Echnoz said. “I enjoy donating to the police raffle because police officers serve and protect our population. For the most part, police officers are underpaid and unappreciated in some communities.

“Police officers sometimes have negative reputations in some communities. I try to support them, appreciate them, honor them.”

Tickets cost $1 and proceeds from the raffle will be donated to the Police Benevolent Foundation’s Fallen Officers Fund.

Curtis said more than 200 tickets were sold last year.

“Last year we donated $1,000 in honor of Officer Brian Shaw to his memorial fund,” Curtis said.

Shaw, who was a patrolman in the New Kensington Police Department, was shot and killed during a traffic stop last November.

“When they go to work they don’t know what their day is going to bring,” Curtis said. “They have to be given the respect they deserve.”

In addition to the raffle, proceeds from T-shirt sales at Fenelton Firearms will be donated.

Butler County Sheriff Mike Slupe and Armstrong County Sheriff Bill Rupert will draw the winning tickets again this year.

“They have a great time too,” Curtis said.

He said the gun shop will be open while the drawing is taking place and officers who buy tickets can come to watch and claim their prizes.

The top prize is the same as last year — a chartered fishing trip on Lake Erie for four people. The other prizes include firearms, range permits and gift certificates.