LIBERTYVILLE, Ill. (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Dozens of people came out Wednesday morning to say goodbye to Dax, the Lake County Sheriff’s K9 who retired after getting injured on the job in March.
Dax’s nine years with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office ended with cake, pictures, praise and plenty of barking during an outdoor ceremony at the sheriff’s patrol substation in Libertyville.
Lake County Sheriff’s Deputy John Forlenza, Dax’s handler, thanked the large crowd for their love.
“Dax and I will miss his supporters everywhere,” Forlenza said. “You need to know how much you’ve meant to us over the years. You’ve helped to make this career remarkable.”
The 10-year-old German shepherd’s retirement ceremony brought out both civilian and police dogs, as well as admirers such as Leo Kalisz, a retired dispatcher.
“John and Dax have this comradery between them, this feeling between both of them. They sense each other and just follow their instincts together.”
Paul Pomazal, director of K9 training at Tops Kennel, worked with Dax before he joined the department and weekly since then.
“John has made Dax great, and Dax loves every minute of it, so the dog responds to what the handler wants,” Pomazal said.
During the ceremony, Forlenza shared stories of how Dax caught a suspect with a stolen ATM in a stolen truck after the man hid in 6-foot-tall grass, and how the German Shepherd dazzled school kids during demonstrations.
“I’ve loved being his best friend and handler for the past nine years,” he said. “That time has gone by so fast. I wish I took more time to enjoy the little things during his career that, looking back, seem so much bigger now.”
Although Dax was partially paralyzed after catching a suspect in March, he has regained the use of his hind legs thanks to therapy. In retirement he’ll live with the Forlenza family, their other dogs and a cat named Mittens.
Dax’s retirement leaves nine other K9s in the sheriff’s department.
Listen to our new podcast Looped In: Chicago
Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!
Sign up and follow WBBM Newsradio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok