Steel Paws Celebrates K9 Officers in Lexington Area

Annual Event Raises Funds for Law Enforcement

The annual Steel Paws event, held on May 10 and 11, welcomed local residents and their pets to Steel Hands Brewing for a two-day celebration of K9 officers across Lexington area. The event was chock-full of activities ranging from yoga to live music, putting a unique spin on community engagement while raising funds for K9 programs throughout the state.

Two Days of Fun and Festivities

The elegant “Bowties & Blue Jeans” VIP event marked the beginning of the celebration. It included a BBQ Smokeshow Feast, local vendors, and a live patrol show, highlighted by an auction conducted alongside lively music. The second day of the event was open to the public and brought residents together with their four-legged friends for a session of puppy yoga, featuring the sociable therapy dog from the Cayce Police Department.

Newest K9 Officer Introduced

Besides being an occasion for residents and their pets to partake in communal fun, the event also served as a platform for the Cayce Police Department to introduce the latest addition to their K9 unit. Attendees enjoyed various activities like observing law enforcement robots, gaining insight into the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department’s large tactical vehicle, and unwinding with live music.

Benefiting Local Law Enforcement

In the true spirit of community goodwill, Steel Hands Brewing highlighted their Steel Paws Wheat Ale to further the cause. Generated proceeds from this 4.7% ABV beer went towards benefiting the canine programs of the Cayce Police Department, Richland County Sheriff’s Department, and Lexington County Sheriff’s Department. Over the past two years, this initiative has managed to raise over $160,000, which has been utilized for K9 training, tactical vests, food and medical care for the dogs, cooling vests, ballistics vests, handler training, and many other necessary items.

In Praise of K9 Loyalty and Service

Community events like Steel Paws not only help bridge the gap between law enforcement and the public but also bring recognition to the hard work and dedication provided by K9 dogs. Their exceptional skills and intense training often go unrecognized, but their contributions to crime prevention, detection, and public safety are invaluable. Events like these serve as a gentle reminder of their integral role in our community and salute their unwavering loyalty and service.