The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is remembering Canine Dax on the one-year anniversary of the famed canine’s death following a serious injury while apprehending a suspect.
The sheriff’s office said Saturday that they were honoring and remembering Canine Dax, who served Lake County with “unmatched courage, loyalty, and heart.”
Sheriff’s officials said Dax’s legacy lives on on the one-year anniversary of his death.
The agency released a more than three-minute tribute video to Dax with dozens of photos of the canine.
Sheriff’s officials said Dax’s spirit continues through his son, Canine Lux, who is now training alongside Dax’s handler, Deputy John Forlenza.
“Watching Lux follow in his father’s pawprints is a powerful reminder that the bond between a K9 and their handler—and their commitment to serve,” the sheriff’s office said.
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 exacerbated 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.
“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.
Canine Dax is set to be honored at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C. next month during National Police Week 2025.
“His name will be forever enshrined alongside other K9s who made the ultimate sacrifice,” the sheriff’s office said.