The Ontario County Sheriff’s Office is mourning the loss of one of its most trusted and courageous members. K9 Fennell, a retired police dog who served with distinction for over seven years, died after a battle with cancer.
Fennell retired in December 2024 after a storied career alongside his partner, Sergeant Dana Egburtson. The two graduated together from Syracuse’s K9 Patrol School in 2017, later completing training in nitrate detection. From the start, they formed a bond that would define their service: loyal, determined, and inseparable.
Fennell’s resume reads like that of a seasoned law enforcement veteran. He was instrumental in securing dozens of schools, government buildings, and public venues during bomb threats, including safeguarding more than 500,000 concertgoers over seven seasons at CMAC. His tracking skills and acute detection ability helped locate missing and wanted individuals, assist in critical rescues, and provide key evidence in criminal investigations.
Among his most memorable contributions was a 2019 search for a missing suicidal person and his role in rescuing a beaten child in 2022. In another high-stakes moment, Fennell located the murder weapon in a Waterloo homicide case, helping bring closure and justice to grieving families.
Though his career was filled with high-pressure moments, those who knew Fennell say his courage was always matched by his calm, steady presence. His retirement was well-earned, and in recent months, he lived peacefully with Sgt. Egburtson and his family.
Fennell’s legacy now passes to K9 Ernie, his younger brother, who has already taken up the mantle with equal dedication.
“Rest in peace, K9 Fennell,” the sheriff’s office wrote. “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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