Here’s how you can help name Flagler County’s new K-9 officer

FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. — The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the community’s help to name the department’s new K-9 officer.

The 11-month-old black lab is being trained in explosives ordinance detection before he hits the streets in February 2023.

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Community members can suggest a name by commenting on the department’s social media post here.

The pup will be paired with Deputy First Class Nicholas Champion, who is a school resource deputy at Flagler Palm Coast High School. Champion currently serves with K-9 Jax, a 9-year-old golden Labrador retriever who is also an explosives-ordinance detection canine.

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The department said Jax will be retired from service once the new K-9 team is ready, according to Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly.

“It’s always hard to say ‘happy retirement’ to our canine partners,” Sheriff Rick Staly said. “They’re as loyal as they come and they never hesitate to follow their handlers into any situation, including those which put their lives in danger. Jax has served well and honorably with FCSO and I’m confident our yet-to-be-named K-9 will do the same.”

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The department said Jax will continue to live with Champion once he’s retired.

The cost of the new dog is $10,500, which was donated to the agency by Dr. Caesar DePaço, president of Summit Nutritionals International.

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