Efforts underway to raise money for bullet-proof vests for Flagler K9 officers

FLAGER COUNTY, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - Kaos and his partner Deputy Brandon Fiveash have been working together for three years at the Flagler County Sheriff's Office.

"We are able to detect narcotics as well as patrol.  We've done searches, article searches. You drop something in the woods, we are able to find that as well," explains Deputy Fiveash.

Kaos has been in some dangerous situations and was hit pretty badly by at least one criminal.  Kaos and the three other K9 officers at the Sheriff's Office could soon be looking at bullet-proof vests.  A fifth K9 with the agency already has a vest, thanks to the Palm Coast Elks Lodge, Flagler County Blue Knights motorcycle club and Flagler Rotary Club.

On Tuesday, the Flagler County Rotary Club presented a check for $500 to the Blue Knights who are heading up the purchase of the vests.  The Elks Lodge has already given $4,000.

The money they are raising isn’t just for bullet proof vests; they’re also hoping to purchase some cool pack vests the K9s can wear under their bullet proof vests to keep them cool in the Florida heat.

Blue Knights officials say each vest costs about $1,600 and last about four to five years.  Each vest is fitted for one dog.

So far, they’ve raised about $5,000 and need $2,000 more.  Deputy Fiveash and Kaos are hoping that happens soon.

There's a fundraiser scheduled on October 8 at 10 a.m., called Deputy Dog Walk.  It will be held at the Beach Front Grille in Flagler Beach.