Lake County Sheriff’s Canine Dax was posthumously honored in Springfield for his “incredible service and sacrifice” as his handler and his son, Canine Lux, attended the event.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office said that Canine Dax was posthumously honored at the Illinois Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony in Springfield last week “for his incredible service and sacrifice.”
Dax’s handler, Sheriff’s Deputy John Forlenza, and Lake County Sheriff John D. Idleburg were in attendance to receive the honor on Dax’s behalf.
Dax’s son, Canine Lux, who is Forlenza’s new partner, was also present representing the “enduring legacy of courage and dedication that Dax leaves behind.”
“We are grateful for Dax’s unwavering commitment to keeping our communities safe, and we will never forget his service,” the sheriff’s office said.
In February, 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, who 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 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.
“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.
Lux was one of three new canines announced last month to join the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.