The Lake County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday announced two new canines that will be joining the agency alongside Canine Dax’s son, who was introduced in February.
The sheriff’s office said Thursday morning it was “thrilled to introduce” the newest members of its canine team.
The office introduced Canine Simba, Canine Hemi and Canine Lux.
Simba will be partnered with Deputy Chris Sinceno, Hemi will be partnered with Deputy Kevin Zerbe and Lux will be partnered with Deputy John Forlenza.
All six have officially started their basic training and the sheriff’s office said it is “so excited” to officially welcome the three canines to the team. “We can’t wait to share their journey with you!”
Lake County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Chief Christopher Covelli said Hemi is a U.S.-bred German Shepherd. He was born just over a year ago on March 13, 2024.
Simba, named for his light and fluffy mane, is almost one year old. He was born on May 16, 2024, in the Czech Republic.
“They’ll begin learning tracking, apprehension, and narcotics detection. But their training won’t stop there—they’ll train nearly every day to continue building and sharpening their skills,” Covelli said.
The three canines will undergo approximately eight weeks of training before they hit the streets.
While the additions of Simba and Hemi were announced this week, Lux was introduced to the public in February.
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 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. Forlenza, Dax’s longtime partner, recognized that Lux stood out and had the potential to follow in his father’s footsteps.
Forlenza donated Lux to Tops Kennel, the training facility responsible for preparing the sheriff’s canine unit.
“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.