RHEA COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Rhea County Sheriff’s Department K9 Unit is stepping up to support one of their own in a powerful way.
When K9 Deputy Hunter Flory’s mother, Christi, was diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this year, the team came together to design a special awareness patch to honor her fight and raise funds for her journey.
Christi’s diagnosis came at the start of August, and shortly after, she underwent surgery in September.
Family and friends say the operation was successful, but her fight is far from over.
Sgt. Kevin Ritchey, a K9 deputy with the Rhea County Sheriff’s Office, said the effort is about rallying together.
“We’re here to support one of our teammates and his family. His mother is falling ill, and we’re just here raising funds for her to help her out in any way we can.”
K9 Deputy Cheyenne Swafford said the inspiration for the fundraiser came in a moment that stuck with her.
“Actually, the day that Hunter’s mom went to surgery, I was at a canine conference, and they had some similar patchwork up there. They had one that had a bloodhound and a Dutchman, and that’s our tracking logo for our team. So, we thought it would be a great idea. Breast cancer awareness is coming up, let’s design something. We got with the sheriff, he approved the design, and it just kind of went from there. And it’s a great way that we can share something important for him.”
The patches quickly caught attention online, spreading through Facebook and across the community.
Sgt. Ritchey said their bond as a unit is unlike any other.
“At the end of the day, we’re close, very close knit. Three of us are on the track team. We go multi-state sometimes, major disasters and stuff, and our bond is unlike any other. One of us is hurting, we’re all hurting, and we’re just there supporting him and his family at the time.”
Christi Flory is no stranger to the courthouse or the Sheriff’s Department.
She has worked in the criminal court system for years, serving at times as a receptionist at the Sheriff’s Office, and now working in the Ray County office.
K9 Deputy Hunter Flory said seeing the support around his mother has meant the world.
“But it just takes, you know, obviously a prayer, good partners, and just friends and family.”
Deputy Flory also shared that his mother would begin radiation treatments at the end of September.
The K9 Unit hopes that every patch sold will not only raise awareness but also remind the Flory family that they are not fighting alone.
Each patch is $8, and 100 percent of proceeds will go directly toward Christi’s medical expenses.
The patches are available now for presale, and shipping is offered so that anyone can take part, near or far.
To order, send a message through Facebook, or contact K9 Deputies Hunter Flory or Sgt. Kevin Ritchey through the Rhea County Sheriff’s Office.
