CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Dax the dog did it again.
The Lake County Sheriff's winningest patrol dog swept the awards at last week's regional competition -- and then immediately jumped back to work to help rescue a man who wanted to end his life.
K9 Dax and his handler Deputy John Forlenza competed in the United States Police Canine Association (USPCA) Region #19 Patrol Dog Trial in Sterling Heights, MI, where they also earned annual, national certifications in tracking, narcotics searches and cadaver detection.
But when they competed in the categories of obedience, agility, scent work, apprehension and apprehension with gunfire, the dog and his officer stole the show. K9 Dax won the award for best patrol dog overall.
Back home in Lake County, the team didn't rest on their laurels.
At about 5:30 Saturday morning, K9 Dax and Forlenza got a call to find a 51-year-old man who threated to hurt himself and fled his friend's house on foot. K9 Dax picked up the man's scent near Route 45 and Buffalo Grove Road in Vernon Hills and followed it for about a quarter-mile until he found the man in heavy brush next to the Indian Creek just west of Buffalo Grove Road. The man was unresponsive.
The man was taken to a local hospital for treatment and mental-health evaluation.
“Deputy John Forlenza and his four-legged partner, Dax, have done it yet again!" Sheriff John Idleburg said in a statement. "We are thrilled at the number of regional titles they bring home to Lake County. Only about one in 500 canines typically earn the Tracking Exceptional Certification and it’s been 12 years since the last time a Region 19 canine achieved this challenging certification. Those tracking skills were highlighted on their first shift back to work when they undoubtedly saved the life of a missing suicidal man, who they found unconscious. We are very proud of all of our Sheriff’s Canine Teams and believe they provide a tremendous service to the Lake County Community.”