Just two days after his retirement ceremony, which honored 9 years of extraordinary and heroic service within the line of responsibility, Lake County police canine Dax has died. He was 10 years old.
Dax suffered severe accidents to his neck and backbone on March 3 whereas making an attempt to assist apprehend a suspect. He regained motion in his hind quarters, however was identified with cervical and thoracolumbar intervertebral disc illness and was in ache, in accordance with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.
Dax was celebrated at a retirement ceremony on Thursday, April 10. He spent Saturday morning on the beachfront with longtime handler Deputy John Forlenza earlier than he was put to relaxation, the division mentioned.
“K9 Dax will always hold a special place in our hearts, and we are incredibly saddened by his passing,” Sheriff John D. Idleburg mentioned in an announcement. “K9 Dax will be remembered for the lives he saved, violent offenders he apprehended, and drugs he kept from being distributed in our community. Please keep the Forlenza family in your thoughts and prayers.”
Dax, a German shepherd, joined the Lake County Sheriff’s Department in 2015. He has been a part of the division’s most profitable searches, together with the placement of greater than 400 lacking folks and felons and the seizure of tons of of kilos of medication, thousands and thousands of {dollars} and dozens of firearms.
He was on scene in Highland Park on July 4, 2022, helping within the seek for an lively shooter.
Dax has been praised by native, state and nationwide establishments, together with the Illinois House of Representatives, the German Shepherd Dog Club of America and The K9s of Valor Foundation. He was named the K9 of the 12 months by the K9s of Valor Foundation in 2018 and gained the Medal of Honor from Illinois Law Enforcement in 2023, and he was profiled by People Magazine, ESPN, the Hallmark Channel and almost each Chicago TV station over the years.
He’s additionally made mates with numerous folks all through the group throughout his common participation in native and faculty demonstrations.
When Dax’s retirement was introduced, Forlenza mentioned in a press launch, “There is not any approach to quantify or correctly specific what Dax’s service has meant to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, the Lake County group, his supporters throughout the nation, and particularly me. But I can not chorus from stating that his service has been exemplary, and most significantly, he has saved numerous lives, together with my very own.
“I am proud to have been his handler and best friend for the last nine years. Dax is a true hero and well deserving of the rest and love that waits for him in his retirement. I’d like to especially thank Dax’s supporters, team of veterinarians, trainers, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, and my family and friends for all their support throughout his career.”
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