HR0703 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0703 LRB103 40260 ECR 72241 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to commend Deputy John Forlenza and Police K9 Dax for their honorable service and dedication to their community, the State as a whole, and the nation; and

WHEREAS, Police K9 Dax, a German Shepard, was born on March 4, 2014 near Spokane, Washington; and

WHEREAS, Police K9 Dax's breeder told the TOPS kennel and the police K9 training center that he was a special dog to be placed with someone who was a good fit; and

WHEREAS, Police K9 Dax and Lake County Sheriff's Deputy John Forlenza were matched as a team on April 20, 2015 and graduated from the TOPS kennel police K9 program on June 12, 2015; and

WHEREAS, Police K9 Dax seized millions of dollars, hundreds of kilos of illegal drugs, dozens of firearms discarded by offenders, and dozens of vehicles; and

WHEREAS, Police K9 Dax has received numerous recognitions and awards, including recognition from the Illinois House of Representatives in 2016, a Lake County Board Special Recognition in 2019, a Certificate of Recognition from the Illinois State Senate in 2022, the ASIS International-Illinois North Shore Chapter Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award in 2017, a Chicago Crime Commission Paws of Distinction in 2017, the K9's of Valor Foundation K9 of the Year in 2018, the 100 Club of Chicago Valor Award in 2019, the American Humane Hero Dog-Law Enforcement in 2019, the Italian American Police Association Officer of the Year in 2019, a Lake County Sheriff's Commendation Award in 2022, the Lake County Sheriff's Office Sheriff Award for Valor in 2022, an Illinois Law Enforcement Medal of Honor in 2023, and the German Shepard Dog Club of the Year Hero Dog Award in 2023; and

WHEREAS, Police K9 Dax competed in several competitions with the United States Police Canine Association (USPCA) and in national and regional trials across the country for tracking, article searches, narcotics, suspect searches, and protection, winning six USPCA Championships and earning two Tracking Exceptional Certificates; and

WHEREAS, Police K9 Dax is known across the nation due to his appearances on numerous local and national news stations, including Fox Nation Hero Dogs, Hallmark Channel American Humane's Hero Dog, Hallmark Channel Home and Family Show, NBC Access Daily, NBC Today Show, A&E Network America's Top Dog Competition, and ESPN Dynamic K9 Duos; he was featured in People Magazine and made many appearances at local schools and police K9 demonstrations to demonstrate police K9 skills and teach the public about the police profession; and

WHEREAS, Police K9 Dax was injured in his neck and spine in the line of duty apprehending a repeat felon who was fleeing officers, forcing his retirement; and

WHEREAS, Following Police K9 Dax's injury and diagnosis of intervertebral disc disease, Deputy John Forlenza submitted Police K9 Dax's official retirement request to Lake County Sheriff John D. Idleburg, and his retirement was celebrated on April 10, 2024; and

WHEREAS, Due to the extent of Police K9 Dax's injuries, the difficult decision was made to end his suffering on April 12, 2024; and

WHEREAS, Deputy John Forlenza and Police K9 Dax were a dynamic duo, partners, and best friends, who together saved many lives and protected the residents of Lake County; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we commend Deputy John Forlenza and Police K9 Dax for their honorable service and dedication to their community, the State as a whole, and the nation; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be presented to Lake County Sheriff John Idleburg and Deputy John Forlenza as a token of our great esteem and respect.