Police Officer, K-9 Partner Get Nod From Illinois House of Representatives

Lake County Sheriff’s Deputy John Forlenza and his canine partner, Dax, recently received recognition from the Illinois House of Representatives, 99th General Assembly.

On May 10, 2016, Deputy Forlenza and K-9 Dax responded to a call in Fox River Grove where an offender attacked a Fox River Grove Police Officer and fled the scene on foot, according to a news release. In addition to battering the police officer, the offender was a sexual predator wanted on several felony arrest warrants.

Upon their arrival, Deputy Forlenza and K-9 Dax began to track the fleeing offender.

The team quickly located the offender who was crouched down, hiding. K-9 Dax began to bark aggressively, and the offender surrendered. The offender was taken into custody without further incident. In addition to his active arrest warrants, he was subsequently charged with a number of charges stemming from his violent encounter with police officers.

In December of 2016, Deputy Forlenza and K-9 Dax were presented with a letter of recognition from the Illinois House of Representatives, 99th General Assembly, offered by Representative Ed Sullivan (representing Illinois’ 51st District), according to the news release.

“Deputy Forlenza and Canine Deputy Dax are a hard working team, who help keep Lake County safe every day. I couldn’t be more proud of their efforts and dedication to the people of Lake County," Lake County Sheriff Mark Curran said.

“The Lake County Sheriff’s Office has four canine teams and all serve a very important purpose. Our four-legged deputies and their handlers have located numerous missing endangered people in addition to taking large quantities of drugs off the streets," Undersheriff Ray Rose said.