K9 Deputy Dax retires after nearly a decade of serving at Lake County Sheriff's Office

LAKE COUNTY, Ill. (WLS) -- After serving the north suburbs for nearly a decade, Lake County Sheriff's Office K9 Deputy Dax will retire.

K9 Dax joined the sheriff's office when he just 13 months old in 2015. He served alongside Deputy John Forlenza.

Last month, K9 Dax was injured while catching a suspect in unincorporated Zion.

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.

K9 Dax will be turned over to Deputy Forlenza to enjoy his retirement, the sheriff said.

Together they have helped find more than 400 missing people or fleeing felons.

"I cannot refrain from stating that his service has been exemplary, and most importantly, he has saved countless lives, including my own," Deputy Forlenza said. "I am proud to have been his handler and best friend for the last nine years.

In his nine year tenure, K9 Dax received more than a dozen awards at state and local level, including the Hero Dog Award from the German Shepherd Dog Club of America.

"Dax is a true hero and well deserving of the rest and love that waits for him in his retirement," Deputy Forlenza said.

A retirement ceremony for Dax is being planned.

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