Law enforcement and community members gathered on Friday and recognized Lake County Sheriff’s Canine Dax, who died last year following a duty injury, at a canine memorial in Gages Lake.
An annual ceremony was held on Friday at the Northern Illinois Police K9 Memorial.
Law enforcement and community members gathered to honor the brave canines who served alongside their handlers and made lasting impacts on the communities they protected, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office said.
The Northern Illinois Police K9 Memorial is located inside Highland Memorial Park in Gages Lake.
Sheriff’s officials said this year’s ceremony was “especially meaningful” as Lake County Sheriff Canine Dax was formally recognized.
Deputy John Forlenza, who was Dax’s handler for nine years until his death in April 2024, delivered “heartfelt remarks” about their bond, Dax’s legacy and the work of all police canines past and present.
“We are grateful to the organizers who make this memorial possible each year and to everyone who continues to honor the sacrifice and service of these remarkable K9 partners,” the sheriff’s office said.
Sheriff’s officials say Dax will never be forgotten and his legacy lives on through his service, the lives he touched and his son, Canine Lux, who “now carries the torch forward.”
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, one of which was Lux, before he died.
Canine Lux has already made an impact on the sheriff’s office by making several successful tracks for missing persons and wanted suspects.