The Lake County Sheriff’s Office has announced that the son of famed Canine Dax, who fathered a litter of puppies before his death, will be joining the agency.
Lake County Sheriff John D. Idleburg made the announcement Wednesday morning that Canine Lux has officially joined the sheriff’s office as its newest police canine.
Lux is a direct offspring of the late Canine Dax, a highly decorated member of the sheriff’s canine unit.
Dax was injured on March 3 while apprehending a person who had committed several felonies and was fleeing near Zion.
Dax injured his neck and spine, which resulted in temporary paralysis in his hindquarters.
He was later diagnosed with cervical and thoracolumbar Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) and lumbosacral IVDD exasperated during the apprehension.
The severity of his injuries led to his early retirement and he died on April 12.
Dax fathered a litter of puppies before he died, according to Lake County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Chief Christopher Covelli.
Deputy John Forlenza, Dax’s longtime partner, recognized that one stood out with the potential to follow in his father’s footsteps.
Lux was selected as the top candidate for future law enforcement training, Covelli said.
Forlenza was one of two deputies selected recently to be the handler of one of the sheriff’s office’s next two canines.
Forlenza donated Lux to Tops Kennel, the training facility responsible for preparing the sheriff’s canine unit.
“We are proud to introduce K9 Lux as the newest member of our K9 Unit,” Idleburg said.
“Lux carries on an incredible legacy, as a direct offspring of our beloved K9 Dax. We have no doubt that Lux, alongside Deputy Forlenza, will continue to serve and protect the residents of Lake County with the same dedication and bravery,” Idleburg added.
Lux and Forlenza have been officially partnered to be the newest Lake County Sheriff’s Office canine team and the two will begin training together in the spring.
“I would like to express my profound sense of gratitude and happiness that the Lake County Sheriff’s Office has officially named K9 Dax’s son, K9 Lux, as my new partner. Dax was remarkable and always did his duty with great courage and dedication throughout his career,” Forlenza said.
“I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to continue as a member of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office K9 Team, and to serve the citizens of Lake County with K9 Lux,” Forlenza said.
Covelli said another announcement will follow soon with details on the second newest Lake County Sheriff’s Office canine team.