Officers speed for charity at Fresno Fairgrounds

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Several officers in the Valley were feeling the need for speed on Saturday. They took part in the inaugural Vipers vs. Law Enforcement Autocross for Charity event at the Fresno Fairgrounds.

The California Highway Patrol, Fresno County Sheriff's Office and Fresno Police Department each had two officers take part in their patrol cars. Fourteen drivers from the Central California Viper Owners Association also competed. They all put the pedal to the metal for five laps on a short obstacle course to see who could finish it the fastest.

CHP Sgt. Jim Abrames said, "We've got a lot of good folks out here that they've brought their rather high-end cars, a lot of Viper cars out here today, and we've got some law enforcement vehicles. And of course there is always a little competition between law enforcement agencies, so we're going to have a little fun ourselves out here with the community. "

Each law enforcement agency received at least $500 to donate to a charity of its choice. Authorities say this event also gave them a chance to promote highway safety among the Viper drivers and the people who gathered to watch the competition.