The Ontario County Sheriff’s Office announced the passing of K9 Kennell on Friday
“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of K9 Fennell, who lost his battle with cancer today. K9 Fennell, who retired in December 2024 after a distinguished career, served alongside his partner, Sergeant Dana Egburtson, with unmatched dedication and loyalty.
“K9 Fennell and then Deputy Egburtson graduated from Syracuse’s K9 Patrol School in June 2017, followed by Nitrate Detector School later that year. Together, they formed a powerful and inseparable team, working tirelessly to protect our community. Over the last seven years, K9 Fennell provided exceptional service to the Finger Lakes Region, with his expertise in patrol, tracking, and nitrate detection. He cleared dozens of schools, government offices, and public locations threatened by bomb scares, ensuring the safety of thousands, including over 500,000 concertgoers at CMAC over seven seasons.
“Fennell’s heroism extended to countless other situations, including locating missing and wanted persons, and responding to high-stakes calls such as the search for a missing suicidal person in 2019, and assisting in the rescue of a beaten child in 2022. He also played a crucial role in locating the murder weapon in a homicide investigation in Waterloo, helping bring justice to those who needed it most.
“As a true protector and friend, K9 Fennell’s contributions have left a lasting impact on our community. His retirement was well-earned, and we take comfort in knowing he spent his final months surrounded by the love of Sgt. Egburtson and his family. While we say goodbye to Fennell, his legacy lives on through the work of his younger brother, K9 Ernie, who is already serving with the same level of commitment and skill.
“Rest in peace, K9 Fennell. Your watch has ended, but you will never be forgotten. You will always be a hero, a protector, and a beloved member of our family.”
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