- April 25, 2024
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Deputy AJ Davis and K-9 Ax, Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood, and Deputy Brett Whitson and K-9 Endo. Courtesy photo
K-9 Endo. Courtesy photo
Mitzi Nash, of Irondog K9 International, K-9 Endo, and Deputy Brett Whitson. Courtesy photo
The Purple Heart citations. Courtesy photo
A Purple Heart medal. Courtesy photo
by: Andrew Gant
Office of Public Affairs & Media Relations, Volusia Sheriff’s Office
On Nov. 17, Sheriff Mike Chitwood and the Georgia non-profit organization Irondog K9 International honored K-9s Endo and Ax for their actions responding to an armed carjacking incident in Deltona in September. Endo and Ax were each shot while working to apprehend the fleeing suspect.
Both K-9s received the Purple Heart from the Sheriff's Office and a Medal of Honor from Irondog K9. The Purple Heart is the retiring K-9 Endo's second since 2016, when he was shot in the neck while responding to a domestic disturbance call with his handler, Deputy Brett Whitson. K-9 Ax has been back on duty with his handler, Deputy AJ Davis.
In presenting their medals at this morning's ceremony at the Deputy Stephen Saboda Training Center, Sheriff Chitwood recounted how one of the first messages he received following the carjacking incident was from Irondog K9, offering to cover the dogs' medical bills.
"It was this incredible, heartwarming email saying that whatever your organization needs, whatever Endo and Ax need, we got you," Chitwood said. "We got medical bills, we got training — you tell us what you want."
Irondog K9 International has contributed more than $25,000 to Volusia Sheriff’s Office K-9s and handlers since the September incident, including about $4,000 in medical bills, $4,200 in first aid kits and more than $18,000 for a 3-day K-9 medic training class for every single VSO K-9 handler. The class is underway now.
"Our job is to support these law enforcement K-9s and their handlers, and we are so excited to be able to be here for them," said Irondog K9's Mitzi Nash.
Irondog K9 International is a 501c3 organization that supports K-9 teams across the country by providing equipment like first aid and trauma kits, sponsoring training events like this week’s seminar, and paying for on-duty injury vet bills.
The Sheriff's Office is grateful to Irondog K9 for their support and the valuable, potentially life-saving training and equipment they're providing every handler this week.
