Lake County Sheriff’s Canine teams are being applauded for their accomplishments at a regional police dog competition in Michigan, officials said.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office canine teams participated in the United States Police Canine Association Region 19 (USPCA Region 19) Police Dog I Regional Trials held in Sterling Heights, Michigan, between October 23 and October 27, officials said.
The competition drew 30 canine teams from across the region, each demonstrating excellence in tracking, patrol, narcotics detection, cadaver detection, and more.
In this field, the Lake County team of Deputy Kevin Harris and K9 Zeus took first place in tracking and second place in narcotic and cadaver detection.
Lake County Sheriff’s Deputy John Forlenza and K9 Lux took first place for cadaver detection, tied for first place in narcotics detection – room searches, and third place for overall patrol dog.
Due to their outstanding performance, both teams are now qualified to participate in the 2025 National Field Trials scheduled in November.
The USPCA Region 19 serves canine handlers across portions of the United States and Ontario, Canada, and is dedicated to improving the overall standard of the working police dog.
“The success in this competition by Deputy Kevin Harris/K9 Zeus and Deputy John Forlenza/K9 Lux reflects the high level of training and the partnership between the handlers and their K9 partners,” Sheriff John D. Idleburg said. “Our ten canine teams are out serving the community every day, helping to keep the community safe.”