COLUMBIA, S.C. — It's been a difficult year for K-9 officers in the Midlands.
A SLED K-9 named Coba died while protecting his partner and other officers when they went to serve an arrest warrant.
Richland County Sheriff's Department K-9 named Wick died after being hit by a car while chasing a suspect, and another sheriff deputy, K-9 Kobe, was shot and wounded while chasing a suspect off Rosewood Drive; he has had surgery and has returned to work.
These specialized dogs cost tens of thousands of dollars, and when a K-9 gets hurt, the departments pay for the medical bills.
According to organizers, this year's Richland County "Guardians of the Night" run will have an even bigger purpose.
This year, you and your dog can run beside the K-9 handlers on July 20 at the State Fairgrounds.
The money raised from the run will go to the K-9s for training, food, safety equipment, and custom-fit ballistic vests for each dog.
Investigator Cassie Radford, who was with her K-9 Oakley, spoke with anchor Andrea Mock about the event and the importance of K-9 officers.