Lt. Joshua Smith, Ptl. Steve Palma, and K9 Clyde welcome attendees to Berlin Borough’s K9 Auto Show at the Berlin Farmers Market on Tuesday, August 19. The annual event drew more than 215 cars and hundreds of community members in support of the police department’s K9 Unit.
Berlin Borough’s annual K9 Auto Show revved up the community last week at the Berlin Farmers Market, bringing together residents, car enthusiasts, and law enforcement supporters for a night of fundraising, family fun, and community connection.
The event on Aug. 19, now in its fourth year, was co-founded in 2022 by Lt. Joshua Smith and Patrolman Steve Palma of the Berlin Borough Police Department. What began as a creative way to raise funds for the department’s K9 Unit has since become a highly anticipated tradition.
“We had already established a great community relations team, and we wanted to raise funds for improving the police K9 unit as well as create a well-rounded community event that everyone could enjoy,” Smith said.
This year’s turnout was one of the strongest yet, with more than 215 vehicles entered and hundreds more attendees filling the lot. The support, Smith noted, came not just from Berlin residents and businesses but also from visitors who had no direct ties to the borough—other than their love for the show and appreciation of the K9 cause.
The event serves a dual purpose: raising money for the K9 Unit’s ongoing needs—including equipment, medical care, food, grooming, and training—and strengthening the relationship between the police department and the community.
“It’s both fundraising and engagement, by far,” Smith explained. “Events like this make us easily approachable. Residents, families, and even people just passing through Berlin get a chance to meet our officers, talk with us, and interact with our K9s.”
One of the highlights of the night was the meet-and-greet with K9 Clyde, the department’s current service dog, alongside Palma. Attendees also enjoyed a special guest appearance from K9 Radko, the borough’s first police dog, now retired. Radko gave a brief demonstration that drew cheers from the crowd, showing he still has plenty of energy in reserve.
While the polished cars drew admiration, Smith said the spirit of the evening went beyond chrome and horsepower.
“It’s not about how nice or what kind of car you have; it’s about being involved in a community event and contributing to something that goes toward such a good cause,” he said.
The show received strong backing from local businesses, with more than 10 sponsors helping to make the event possible. Some were Berlin-based, while others came from outside the area.
“What makes Berlin different is the strong connection we have built with our community,” Smith acknowledged. “People tell me every year that they keep coming back because of that bond, and it’s something we’re proud of.”
For the Berlin Borough Police Department, the annual K9 Auto Show has become more than just a fundraiser.
“As much as this is about raising funds, it’s also a free event that anyone can attend and enjoy,” Smith reflected. “The chance to meet officers, see equipment, and learn about what we do—there’s no price on that.”
