ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – An Albuquerque business owner is trying to thank local law enforcement officers by raffling off a totally tricked out 1998 Corvette.

The design is a dedication to veterans and local law enforcement, and with the current acts of violence against police officers across the nation, a raffle like this is coming at just the right time.

James Santistevan bought the car from a veteran in Arizona. He said he doesn’t know who painted the murals under the hood, honoring heroes from historical events like 9-11 and Pearl Harbor, but he does know it has inspired him.

“I grew up really respecting law enforcement and nowadays, I think even himself and other law enforcement–you just don’t see that respect anymore,” he said.

The lack of respect he’s talking about includes recent attacks on police across the nation.

“There’s been some bad incidents that have affected the morale within the police departments and affected the outlook–or the perception of the community towards police, and that’s what we’re trying to fix,” said Sgt. Ryan Tafoya of the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Department.

Santistevan plans to give back by raffling off the Corvette. The goal is to sell 6,000 raffle tickets at $20 a piece. He said half the money will go to the non-profit, Intrepid Fallen Heroes. The other half, will go to the Ten82 Fund, benefiting all New Mexico law enforcement who have lost their lives.

“My hope is that we are able to show our first responders that we are there for them, that we do support them, and that support is coming across the community,” said Sgt. Tafoya.

If you would like to purchase your own raffle tickets, you can do so by heading over to Zia Automotive or visiting the Ten82 website.