Sheriff John D. Idleburg is proud to announce the Lake County Sheriff’s Office K9 Unit concluded 2025 with a year marked by numerous deployments and continued public safety increase. In 2025, K9 teams were deployed 485 times in support of patrol operations, criminal investigations, and specialized searches, contributing to 90 arrests. The teams also successfully located 35 individuals, including endangered missing persons and criminal suspects.
Ten K9 teams served with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office during 2025, including Deputy John Forlenza with K9 Lux, Deputy Andrew Martini with K9 Danno, Deputy Kevin Gauer with K9 Axel, Deputy Kevin Harris with K9 Zeus, Deputy Roxanna Stancioiu with K9 Drako, Deputy Kevin Lowe with K9 Loki, Deputy Kevin Zerbe with K9 Hemi, Deputy Christopher Sinceno with K9 Simba, Deputy Patricia List with K9 Zack (explosive/firearm detection), and Detective Alexis Sciarrone with K9 Enzo (electronics detection). Their work was reflected not only in the volume of cases they assisted with, but in their precision, reliability, and strong handler-canine partnerships.
The Sheriff’s Office also recognized the retirement of K9 Duke in 2025, who was partnered with Deputy Dwight Arrowood. K9 Duke’s career was marked by successful operations and a lasting positive impact on the community.
During deployments in 2025, K9 teams located and assisted in the seizure of illicit substances including cocaine, marijuana, heroin, methamphetamine, fentanyl, and psilocybin mushrooms, helping to disrupt drug trafficking and reduce the availability of dangerous narcotics in Lake County.
K9 teams also supported firearm-related investigations throughout the year, assisting in the recovery of 27 firearms,
including 16 handguns, nine rifles, one machine gun, and one shotgun. Magazines, ammunition, and spent shell casings were also recovered during various investigations.
Community engagement remained a priority in 2025, with K9 teams participating in 59 public demonstrations and presentations. Additionally, eight K9 sweeps were conducted at schools and facilities to help prevent criminal activity and enhance public safety.
To maintain operational readiness, K9 teams completed a combined nearly 2,500 hours of training focused on tracking, apprehension, obedience, evidence and article searches, area searches, building searches, and agility. K9 teams also maintained specialized capabilities in narcotics detection, apprehension, evidence and article detection, tracking, cadaver detection, electronics detection, explosives detection, and firearms detection.
Sheriff John D. Idleburg said, “Our canine teams continue to be an essential asset to public safety in Lake County. Not only do our unincorporated residents and contract communities rely on them, but they are also routinely called upon to support local municipalities throughout the county. Our canine teams continue saving countless lives each year and assist in apprehending violent felons. I am very proud of our canine handlers and our canines.”
The accomplishments of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office K9 Unit in 2025 reflect the dedication, training, and professionalism of the deputies and their canine partners, whose service remains a vital asset in protecting Lake County residents.