The annual event raises about $50,000 for the Special Olympics.

PITTSFIELD,Mass. — Cop on Top returns for its fifth year next weekend.

 

For 32 hours, police officers will be camping out on the roof of Walmart to raise money for the Special Olympics. The effort is part of the Law Enforcement Torch Run program, which aims to raise $50,000 through the fundraising effort.

 

"Our goal is to keep it at the $50,000 mark," said Officer Darren Derby. "One hundred percent of the proceeds go back to the athletes and the teams."

 

The organization has hit that goal over the last three years. Since its inception, the event has grown to be one of the largest of its kind in the state. Just two year ago, the organization hit its highest fundraising total with $55,034.

 

"The event is self-sustaining. We haven't added much to it and haven't had to," Derby said. "Why try to fix something that's not broken?"

 

An opening ceremony is scheduled for 9 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6. Police will take to the roof then and Special Olympic athletes will be hoisted up there via the Fire Department's ladder truck to light a torch that will burn throughout the event.

 

Outside of the store, donation will be collected and a series of raffle prizes from local businesses will be given out.

 

"We have a large assortment for the raffle," Derby said. "We have more than 100 things."

 

The prizes range from scratch ticket trees to gift certificates to local restaurants. Meanwhile, a life flight helicopter will be on display Saturday and Star Wars characters will be on hand to take photos with children. Officers from the Boston area are expected to attend, who a few even camping out on the roof too.

 

"This year we are aiming for 10 [officers on the roof]," Derby said.

 

The cop on top was the first fundraising event the local LETR organized. But, they have since expanded dramatically. On February 14, 2015, the organization will be holding their third polar plunge (themed for Valentine's day). Derby said they'll be having a justice of the peace on hand for people to "take the plunge before you take the plunge." So if there are any couples looking to get married — here's one way to do it.

 

There is also a midnight 5K road race scheduled for June 2015.

 

Just a few weeks ago the organization joined Lee Police in holding the first ugly sweater road race to raise money and are looking to add two more events in 2015 — a fire truck pull and road race before the Halloween parade.

 

"Raising money is good but we also enjoy having events to bring awareness," Derby said.