Two Lake County Sheriff’s Office police dogs and their officer handlers won top honors at a regional competition and have advanced to a national competition.
Deputy John Forlenza and Lux, along with Deputy Kevin Harris and Zeus, won awards at the recent event held in Evansville, Ind., competing with teams from Illinois, Indiana and Ohio.
Both local teams were certified in four disciplines that show off a police dog’s obedience and skills, that include narcotics and cadaver detection and tracking ability.
Lux won first place in six separate areas that emphasize searching ability, detection and criminal apprehension. Zeus also did well, winning three second-place and two third-place ratings in various disciplines.
Both teams earned their way into the United State Police Canine Association Police Dog Trials, which is scheduled for September in Abilene, Texas.
“These accomplishments are a testament to the dedication, professionalism, and countless hours of training invested by Deputy Forlenza, Deputy Harris, K9 Lux, and K9 Zeus,” Sheriff John Idleburg said. “While we are proud of their success at this competition, these results also reflect the strength of our entire K9 Unit. Every day, our canine teams make a tremendous impact throughout Lake County, from helping protect children and other vulnerable victims, to keeping community events safe through explosive detection, locating missing and endangered people, and apprehending dangerous offenders.”
K-9 team handles two assignments
Deputy Forlenza and Lux put those exceptional skills to use this week in separate incidents.
They responded to a request for assistance from a Lake County police department that was investigating a shooting. The suspects fled from a crashed vehicle, and Lux tracked one of them for a distance before losing the trail, likely because the suspect entered another vehicle and left.
He did, though, sniff out two handguns that were hidden beneath a tree, aiding the investigation and taking two weapons off the street.
The next night, Lux and Forlenza were called in to search for a woman missing and reported in emotional distress. Lux picked up her scent and was able to lead authorities to the woman, who was behind a house. She was evaluated and brought to stay with a friend.
Grayslake police start program assisting senior citizens
Grayslake Police recently announced the start of a program to assist senior citizens in the village who could use a little help in facing their challenges.
The program is called SHIELD, which stands for Senior Help Intervention, Education and Liaison Division.
It’s voluntary and designed for senior residents facing social isolation, or declining mental or physical health. Seniors registering for the program will get regular check-ins from officers with ongoing follow-ups. The department will provide connections to local services and resources.
The service is available to qualified residents of Grayslake and Hainesville. For information or to register, contact Commander Peterson at (847) 986-2029, or email speterson@villageof grayslake.com.
Round Lake Police Department Foundation holding first golf outing
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Teeing it up for a good cause, the Round Lake Beach Police Foundation will hold its inaugural golf outing Aug. 10 at Bull Valley Golf Club near Woodstock.
Proceeds from the outing will go toward an officer resiliency center, which is envisioned as a dedicated space for officer health and mental health, to help officers handle the stress accompanies a career in law enforcement.
“Policing requires constant readiness both physically and mentally, and the resiliency center will help ensure officers have the tools and support necessary to remain healthy, focused, and prepared to serve the community,” the foundation said.
For information about sponsorship opportunities, visit the RLB Police Foundation page on Facebook.