Authorities say Lake County Sheriff’s Office Canine Dax assisted police in tracking down a child who went missing in Zion and was found unconscious.
The sheriff’s office said Dax was kept busy over the weekend performing five canine demos at the Lake County Fair.
Dax and his handler, John Forlenza, were called around 2 a.m. Monday to assist the Zion Police Department.
The department had received a report that a highly intoxicated girl ran away from home, the sheriff’s office said.
Police officers were unable to locate the girl after nearly an hour of search and called for canine assistance.
Dax arrived and began conducting a track for the missing juvenile, the sheriff’s office said.
Dax and Forlenza located the girl, who was unconscious, underneath a deck in a yard.
Deputies and officers removed the girl from under the deck and called for an ambulance.
She was treated by rescue personnel and is now recovering.
Last month, officials said Dax recorded a “hat trick” by helping track down three suspects in two separate incidents, including a drug investigation and a burglary.
Forlenza and Dax in June received the “Illinois Law Enforcement Medal of Honor” award during a ceremony.
The award was for a 2018 incident where the group responded to a burglary in progress call.
Two offenders fled on foot when they arrived.
One was quickly apprehended but the second continued fleeing. The suspect stopped and pulled a firearm on the deputies.
Dax distracted the armed offender and Gilbert fired at the suspect, wounding him.