RHEA COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) – What began as a simple 5K race to raise money for the Rhea County Animal Shelter has now turned into a friendly competition among the Rhea County Sheriff’s Department K-9 unit.
The Rhea County K-9 Tracking Team is going head-to-head and paw to paw to see which handler and their K-9 partner can raise the most money for the animals at the shelter.
Sergeant Hunter Flory says he is confident his team will come out on top.
“There’s just one thing about it. I’m going to win regardless.”
Sergeant Flory even held up a playful sign that read, “Reminder: I’m Winning.”
The event, called Run for the Rescues, was originally created to raise funds for the Rhea County Animal Shelter’s building expansion.
However, organizers say it has grown into something much bigger.
Deputy Cheyenne Swafford, who also serves as the director of the Rhea County Animal Shelter, told News 12 that the K-9 team decided to turn the fundraiser into a lighthearted competition.
She explained that while the team works closely together every day, a little friendly competition between handlers and their partners made the event even more exciting.
“Our K-9 team is very close, but as much as we have each other’s backs, we’re also a little competitive. We like to see who can do the best with our partners. We work with dogs every day, and they are some of the best partners you can have. So, we created a little competition to see who could raise the most money for the animal shelter by the time the 5K comes around.”
Deputy Swafford is also competing alongside K-9 Ava.
Rhea County Police Chief John Argo says he is proud to see his department come together for such an important cause.
Chief John Argo stated that he encourages both his officers and members of the community to take part in the event.
“All my officers will be participating, and I encourage anyone from the community to come out and participate as well. Bring your animals, come run, come walk. It’s going to be a great day of fun, and it’s all for the animals here.”
Chief Argo expanded on why the event matters so much to the community, explaining that the way a community treats its animals reflects the compassion and character of the people who live there.
“At the end of the day, the way a community treats its animals says a lot about the people and the heart of that community. I think ours has a big one.”
Deputy Swafford explained that many of the animals brought into the shelter come from cruelty cases and extremely difficult living conditions.
She said that some of the funds raised go directly toward helping animals rescued from dangerous and inhumane situations.
“We deal with so many cruelty cases. Dogs that have been severely neglected and living in horrible conditions. When we process those cases, they come to our animal shelter. Being able to see those dogs go from deplorable conditions to regaining their health, getting adopted, and finally finding a loving home is what means the most to us.”
For Sergeant Hunter Flory and his K-9 partner Lycan, the cause is especially personal.
Sergeant Flory shared that his lifelong love for animals makes supporting the shelter especially meaningful to him.
“It means so much to me because growing up, I’ve always had animals and a big love for them. Being able to work with my canine partner, Lycan, means a lot because he’s getting close to retirement.”
While Sergeant Flory and K-9 Lycan are nearing their fundraising goal, not every team is quite there yet.
Sergeant Kevin Ritchie and his K-9 partner Dona say they could use a little backup from the community.
Sergeant Ritchie said his team is still working to catch up in the fundraising competition.
“We’re just trying to raise a little more money for the 5K race, Battle of the Badges. Dona has only raised $25 so far, and she needs a little help. We’re trying to catch up and beat the other teams, but we’re a little behind right now.”
Community members can help support their favorite team by registering for the race or donating toward the fundraising competition.
This year’s teams include:
Deputy Cheyenne Swafford and K-9 Ava: Deputy Swafford & K9 Ava – Run for the Rescues
Sergeant Hunter Flory and K-9 Lycan: Hunter Flory – Run for the Rescues
Sergeant Kevin Ritchie and K-9 Dona: Sgt Ritchey and K9 Dona – Run for the Rescues
Those interested in participating in the Run for the Rescues 5K can learn more, register for the race, or donate to another team, click here.
Organizers say whether people choose to run, walk, or simply come out to support the cause, the goal remains the same: helping animals in need find safety, care, and a second chance at life.
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Packet Pickup
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5 – 7 p.m., Friday, March 20 – American Grille, Spring City
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8:15 – 9:30 a.m., Saturday, March 21 – Spring City Nature Park, 549 Front St., Spring City
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5K Race
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Start time: 10 a.m.
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Registration:
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$25 through January 31
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$30 from February 1 – February 28
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$35 from March 1 – race day
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1-Mile Race
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Start time: 10:15 a.m.
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Registration:
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$15 through February 28
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$20 from March 1 – race day
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