VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — Two Volusia County K-9s that were shot during the search for an armed carjacking suspect were awarded Purple Hearts by Sheriff Mike Chitwood Wednesday.
>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<
K-9s Ax and Endo were each shot within hours of each other in September during the search for 21-year-old Shedrick Singleton, who had fled into a wooded area in Deltona after allegedly stealing a Lyft driver’s minivan at gunpoint.
READ: Impassioned debate over controversial award-winning book continues in Flagler County
K-9 Ax was shot in the side of the face and rushed to a veterinarian by his handler, Deputy A.J. Davis.
Hours later, K-9 Endo was shot in the paw and the chin and rushed to another vet clinic by his handler, Deputy Brett Whitson.
In addition to their Purple Hearts, both K-9s received a Medal of Honor Wednesday from the Georgia-based non-profit organization Irondog K-9 International.
Out of a potential tragedy, we met some incredible new friends & partners. Irondog K9 International is an amazing org that didn't just pay Ax & Endo's vet bills - they're giving all our K-9 deputies invaluable training on how to save these dogs' lives, and the equipment to do it. https://t.co/OySKhGNqGP
— Mike Chitwood (@SheriffChitwood) November 17, 2021
READ: State attorney’s review of Salaythis Melvin shooting ongoing more than a year later
During Wednesday’s ceremony, Sheriff Chitwood noted that one of the first messages he received after the incident was an offer from Irondog K-9 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,” Sheriff Chitwood said. “We got medical bills, we got training - you tell us what you want.”
According to the sheriff’s office, the group has donated more than $25,000 since September for their K-9 unit’s medical bills, first aid kits, and K-9 medic training for each Volusia Sheriff’s Office K-9 handler.
READ: Two people rescued after SUV crashes into pond
“Our job is to support these law enforcement K-9s and their handlers,” Irondog K-9′s Mitzi Nash said. “We are so excited to be able to be here for them.”
The Purple Heart for retiring K-9 Endo was actually his second. According to the Sheriff’s Office, Endo was shot in the neck in 2016 while responding to a domestic disturbance with Deputy Whitson.
0 of 13
Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Cox Media Group
