The Polk County Sheriff's Office is getting some help obtaining more police dogs.

  • Fundraiser held in Lakeland Friday
  • Event hosted by K9s for Cops
  • Currently, Polk Sheriff's Office has 26 K9 officers

A group called K9s for Cops held its "Evening with the Stars" gala dinner and fundraiser Friday in Lakeland.

The group's chairwoman, Michelle Robare, said they have been very successful in their fundraising efforts.

"In four years of fundraising, five years as an organization, we have purchased seven dogs, and those dogs are very expensive," Robare said. "They cost about $8,500 just for a green dog without any training."

The event is held annually in memory of Deputy Matt Williams and his police K9, DiOGi. The pair was killed in the line of duty 10 years ago this month.

Williams' brother, Joe Williams, said he can't think of a better way to honor Matt and DiOGi.

"If people took time to understand the bond between the officer and the dog, they truly are partners, not just when they’re on the job but when they’re off the job," Williams said. "If people could see that, they would see them on the street and appreciate them a lot more."

Currently, there are 26 police K9s serving in the Polk County Sheriff's Office.