The Lake County Sheriff’s Office announced that famed Canine Dax, who died last year, will be honored at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office said Thursday that Canine Dax will be honored at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C. in May during National Police Week 2025.
“His name will be forever enshrined alongside other K9s who made the ultimate sacrifice,” the sheriff’s office said.
The sheriff’s office also said that Officer Down Memorial Page’s 2025 canine tribute shirts will feature Dax’s name, with the proceeds supporting their mission to honor fallen heroes.
National Police Week occurs every May and this year will commemorate the week with live, in-person events.
National Police Week pays recognition to law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others.
The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund will hold ceremonies, including the 37th Annual Candlelight Vigil, to honor the fallen officers whose names have recently been added to the memorial.
President John F. Kennedy in 1962 proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which May 15 falls as National Police Week.
In February, Lake County Sheriff John D. Idleburg announced that Canine Lux 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, 2024, 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, 2024.
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 in February.
“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 were set to begin training together this 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.