Fundraiser Helps Raise Money For Retired K9 Officers

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) - They're some of the heroes in the Sacramento County Sheriff's Department, the canine officers.

But once they retire, the mounting medical bills are too much for the county to handle.

So, one local group is doing its part to makes sure they're covered.

It's all in a days work for Ronin the Sacramento sheriff's canine dog.

"These dogs go through a lot of rigorous activity going over fences in attics, fighting bad guys all day," said Deputy James Hatfield.

So when the day comes the police dogs can no longer serve, the Canine Sheriff's Association wants to make sure they're taken care of.

"These are our partners. We live with them and bond with them and when they retire we want the best for them. We want them to have the best medical care," said Hatfield.

But those medical bills can add up.

"Some of these procedures can cost $10,000 - $15,000," said a sheriff's spokesman.

With nine dogs in retirement, coupled with the current budget crisis, the county can't pay for it all.

"The medical bills that come with an aging retired dog are far more than what the county pays for," said Hatfield.

"You have to look at it from a feasible standpoint and everything the sheriff's department has to do, they're just not able to," said the spokesman.

That is why these people are stepping up and stepping out to take part in the annual Kaleo's 5K Run/Walk.

"It's awful. They work just as hard as a police officer if not harder," said supporter Allyson Prero. "And, we should definitely take care of them like we do the officers."

"It's unfortunate because the PD needs a lot of support right now. They always do so it's unfortunate this run is good," said supporter Michelle Baptista.

Even four legged friends came out to support their canine companions.

"It's a great opportunity because it's actually a race you get to run with your dog," said one runner.

The cause is personal for Deputy John Halk as his former canine partner Rex was diagnosed with hip dysplasia in April and just retired a week ago.

"These dogs put their lives on the line just like we do when we're out and about," said Halk.

This was the fourth annual event, organizers had hoped to raise $5,000 dollars; but overall, they say donations are down because of the economy.