Lake County Gazette

Today at the Illinois Capitol, State Representative Tom Weber and the Illinois House of Representatives paid tribute to the exceptional service of Lake County Sheriff’s Police K9 Dax and his handler, Lake County Sheriff’s Deputy John Forlenza. As reported by the , Dax and Deputy Forlenza were honored with the adoption of House Resolution 703, with Forlenza present at the Capitol to receive recognition for their remarkable partnership.

The ceremony held at the Illinois Capitol was a somber one, as it was noted that Dax's loyal service came to a tragic end. The article states, "Due to the extent of Dax’s injuries, the difficult decision was made to end his suffering on April 12, 2024." The loss of Dax, on the eve of his 10th birthday, marked the conclusion of an illustrious career dedicated to serving and protecting the community.

Throughout their time together, Dax and Deputy Forlenza made a significant impact on law enforcement efforts in Lake County. Their partnership was described as instrumental, with the article mentioning, "Dax and Deputy Forlenza’s partnership has been credited with saving over 400 lives and led to the seizure of millions of dollars, hundreds of kilos of illegal drugs, dozens of illegal firearms, and dozens of vehicles." Their collaborative efforts resulted in numerous successful operations that undoubtedly made a difference in the safety and security of the region.

The adoption of House Resolution 703 served as a fitting tribute to the invaluable contributions of K9 Dax and Deputy Forlenza, recognizing their dedication and service to the community. The ceremony at the Illinois Capitol stood as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by law enforcement officers and their loyal K9 partners in upholding the law and protecting the public.