Lake County Sheriff's office introduces its three new K-9 cops

Duke, Diesel and Dax.

They are the names of the three newest K-9 members of Lake County Sheriff's Office that were pitched by eight Lake County middle school students.

The dogs and their handlers were introduced to the public during a ceremony Thursday at the Lake County courthouse in Waukegan. The rookie K-9s will replace three former K-9 officers that have retired from the force in recent years.

"I chose it (the name Duke) watching the movie 'Air Bud,' said David Lokietko, a sixth-grade student at Big Hollow Middle School in Ingleside. He was one of five students who chose that name.

Two other students suggested the name Diesel, while one student pitched the name Dax.

Donna Lokietko said her son was "very excited" when he learned about the selection.

"I'm very proud of him," she said, "He didn't stop talking about it after he learned he won."

The naming contest was introduced in late January by the sheriff's office, Undersheriff Ray Rose said. In all, 657 names were nominated by 31 Lake County middle schools, Rose said.

The K-9 handlers had final selection for the names of the dogs.

"This is an exciting time at the Lake County Sheriff's Office as we expand to a higher level of service," Rose said. "The participation of the kids amplifies our goal of being more involved with the community."

Sheriff's officials initially announced the "Rookie K-9 Naming Contest" to public school students. Due to the enthusiastic response, the contest was soon expanded to include all county middle school students in public and parochial schools and those who are home-schooled.

The winners were: Kaddarius Carr of Beach Park Middle School; Justin Diggs and Jimmy Klem from Millburn Middle School; Andrew Frels from St. Joseph's Middle School; Matthew Gauza from Caruso Middle School; David Lokietko from Big Hollow Middle School; Samuel Fischer from Fischer Christian Academy; Emma Uren from Uren Academy; Anna Sicco from St. Joseph Middle School.

The dogs will be trained in obedience, tracking, narcotics and search during eight weeks at TOPs Kennels in Grayslake, Sgt. Jim McKinney said. The purchase and training of the dogs were funded by a grant from the D.A.S. Charitable Fund, an organization in Lake County that supports organizations that seek to preserve and advance animal life.