Lake County Gazette

Jim Carris, a candidate for Illinois' Tenth District Congressional seat, recently attended the retirement ceremony of Lake County K-9 officer Dax. The event was documented in a social media post by Carris, who is set to challenge incumbent Democrat Brad Schneider in the upcoming general election. He also shared several photos from the occasion.

"What a beautiful day to support law enforcement and celebrate the Lake County Sheriff's Office retirement ceremony for K9 Dax," said Carris, according to Facebook. "Dax joined his partner, Deputy John Forlenza, at the Lake County Sheriff's Office in 2015. Together, they have located over 400 missing endangered people or fleeing felons, seized hundreds of kilos of illegal drugs, millions of dollars, and dozens of firearms and vehicles. They have also participated in hundreds of community and school demonstrations."

In early March, Dax was injured while Lake County Sheriff’s deputies were pursuing an individual in a stolen vehicle. The suspect fled on foot after colliding with a police car, according to a CBS report dated March 5. During this pursuit, Dax sustained an injury that left him unable to bear weight on his hind legs. Since then, he has been receiving veterinary care.

Screenshot of JIm Carris' April 10 Facebook post | Jim Carris For Congress Facebook page

Carris expressed his support for law enforcement and appreciation for Dax's service at the retirement ceremony. "What a beautiful day to support law enforcement and celebrate the Lake County Sheriff’s Office retirement ceremony for K9 Dax! Thank you for your unwavering dedication and service in helping make our Lake County community safe," he stated in a Facebook post.

A prominent figure in the local business community and longtime resident of Lake County, Carris's campaign website highlights his extensive business background rather than political experience. "Jim has spent his life in business, not politics, practicing law, running his own company and as a corporate leader," reads a statement on his campaign website.

Currently serving as Managing Principal, Executive Managing Director, and Market Leader at Colliers International, Carris is an accomplished attorney. He is also the son of an immigrant whose father left Greece seeking better opportunities.

Carris financed his own education through various jobs ranging from house painting and construction work to dishwashing and bartending. His strong work ethic has been instrumental throughout his life.

The Tenth District seat is currently held by incumbent Democrat U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider. It encompasses several municipalities within Lake County including Antioch, Fox Lake, Lake Villa, Grayslake, Mundelein, Vernon Hills, Waukegan, Highland Park, North Chicago, Park City, Lake Forest, Gurnee, Zion, Libertyville and Round Lake. It also includes communities in Cook County such as Winnetka, Glencoe, Kenilworth, Northbrook and Wheeling as well as Spring Grove, Richmond, Hebron, Wonder Lake and Johnsburg in McHenry County.