After on-duty injury, K9 Deputy Dax set to enjoy retirement, Lake County sheriff says

LIBERTYVILLE, Ill. (WLS) -- It was a bittersweet day for the Lake County Sheriff's Office Wednesday, as they sent K9 Deputy Dax into retirement following a distinguished law enforcement career.

After nearly 10 years of service, K9 Dax is getting ready to spend time at home, with his longtime handler, Deputy John Forlenza.

"He's part of my family. More than that: He is my partner at work," Forlenza said. "I trust him, and he trusts me. And that's why we've had the success we've had."

While Lake County has several K9s on duty. None have been as successful as Dax.

Deputy John Forlenza talks about what Dax has planned for retirement.

Ten-year-old K9 Dax and his handler have located more than 400 missing endangered people or fleeing felons and seized hundreds of kilos of illegal drugs and dozens of firearms discarded by suspects over the last nine years, according to the sheriff's office.

Last month, K9 Dax, who has become an international law enforcement superstar, was injured while catching a suspect in unincorporated Zion.

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The well-known K9 was diagnosed with cervical and thoracolumbar intervertebral disc disease.

After going through physical therapy, he was able to walk again. However, veterinarians said he cannot return to active duty.

As K9 Dax gets settled into retirement, Forlenza is excited to still be there, as his partner and best friend.

"Hopefully lots of swimming, walking, chicken wings, good stuff," Forlenza said. "Lot of mixed emotions, happy for Dax, of course, self-pity on my part because he won't be riding around in the car with me, but he'll have a good life with the family at home."

Gerrie and Adam Coolidge drove 85 miles Wednesday morning to be at the ceremony.

"We've been following Dax for years. And when we heard he was retiring, we just had to be here," DeKalb County resident Gerrie Coolidge said.

Officials said he's going out on top.

"He went out doing what he loved. Look at it that way," Forlenza said.

Experts say retirement can be difficult for K9s used to the busy pace.

Everyone is hoping Dax can enjoy a long, comfortable and well-deserved retirement.