RHEA COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) – This evening, in a News 12 exclusive, we are hearing from two local K9 teams who have been selected to assist with search and recovery efforts in Texas following the devastating floods.
News 12 spoke with deputies from both the Rhea County and Bradley County Sheriff’s Offices to learn what this deployment means to them.
Cheyenne Swafford, a K9 Deputy with the Rhea County Sheriff’s Office, explained their purpose.
“Our mission, just like any natural disaster that we work, is to go down there and assist these agencies that have been working tirelessly from day one,” she said. “We want to be able to go and relieve them and be an asset to the mission. We would like to be able to bring closure to these families that still have missing loved ones.”
With recovery efforts still underway, Deputies Swafford and Payne are stepping in where help is needed most.
Whitney Payne, a K9 Deputy with the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office, described the emotion that comes with this work.
“It’s always a very surreal situation and a lot of surreal feelings whenever you go to an area that has been completely devastated by a natural disaster,” she said. “It makes me feel good that we have been asked to help out in a situation like this because you’re also doing this to give families closure.”
Payne and Swafford have a long history of working together, and they’re honored to take on this mission alongside their K9 partners, Duke and Ava.
“We were fortunate enough to be able to help with Hurricane Helene,” Swafford recalled. “Whitney and I went to Washington County and were able to work a very similar natural disaster and help recover victims up there.”
Swafford said the teams are prepared and capable, and they are bringing the best-trained K9s for the job.
“These dogs have actually worked many cases, so they have had the most experience when it comes to land, water cadaver,” Payne explained. “They’ve kind of been in all situations, so it’s really an asset to go into the unknown because they’ve had all the bases covered already.”
She added this kind of work is something they take seriously.
“Obviously going through a natural disaster is devastating as it is,” she said. “But losing a loved one in the midst of it is even more devastating. Just being able to give those families closure is the biggest thing, and that’s a huge honor, per se, to be asked to give a family closure.”
These dedicated K9 teams are now en route to Texas to help in the aftermath of the floods.
News 12 will continue to follow their journey and will share updates as they serve and once they return home.
The sheriffs from both counties are asking the public to keep everyone involved in your prayers and to pray for a safe return.
Joint Statement from the Bradley County and Rhea County Sheriff’s Offices
The Bradley County Sheriff’s Office and the Rhea County Sheriff’s Department shared a unified message on Facebook.
“The Bradley County Sheriff’s Office and the Rhea County Sheriff’s Department are united in our commitment to bring relief, strength, and hope to those affected. Together, we stand ready to serve.”
Bradley County Sheriff Steve Lawson said their mission is to respond wherever the need arises.
“When disaster strikes, it doesn’t recognize county or state lines, and neither do we,” Lawson stated. “Our department stands ready to assist wherever the need arises, and we’re proud to support our fellow agencies in Texas during this difficult time.”
“As part of that effort, we are sending Deputy Payne and her K9 partner Duke to aid in the response. This is a heartbreaking situation, and our hearts go out to everyone affected. In times like these, our duty to serve extends beyond our own community. It means showing up, offering support, and standing shoulder to shoulder with those facing unimaginable loss.”
“Providing help in times of crisis is part of who we are. Serving people and supporting communities, no matter the distance, is a responsibility we take seriously and a commitment we’re honored to uphold.”
Rhea County Sheriff Mike Neal shared a similar message.
“When tragedy strikes, it knows no boundaries, and neither do we. That is why tonight we are deploying Deputy Swafford and her K9 partner, Ava, to assist in the search and recovery efforts in Texas.”
“Our department is committed to answering the call wherever it comes from, because compassion and service extend beyond county and state lines. Our K9 teams train tirelessly for missions like this—missions that mean providing closure to families in their darkest hours.”
“I am deeply proud of their dedication, professionalism, and willingness to serve communities far beyond our own. In moments like these, we see the true heart of law enforcement—showing up, standing together, and doing whatever we can to help those in need.”
Both departments ask the community to continue praying for everyone involved and for a safe and successful return home.
