Ulster County K9 Hero Passes After Years of Dedicated Service

The Ulster County Sheriff's Office has announced the passing of a retired K-9 who was named after a local hero in Ulster County, NY.

Ulster County Sheriff K9 Passed Away

According to a recent post on the Ulster County Sheriff's Office Facebook page, a dedicated member of the K9 unit has died.

The post stated that retired K9 "Farrell", who served alongside his handler, Deputy James Slinsky, for seven years until his retirement in 2022, passed away on Wednesday, November 19th, 2025.

Name Honored Ulster County Hero

K9 Farrell was named in honor of Sergeant Shawn M. Farrell II of Accord, NY, who tragically died on April 24, 2014, while serving in Afghanistan with the United States Army 10th Mountain Division.

SEE ALSO: Police Make Gruesome Discovery At Home in Ulster County

K9 Farrell was certified by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services in patrol functions and narcotics detection. He began his patrol duties following his graduation from K9 school in November 2015 and was responsible for multiple drug seizures, over twenty-five successful tracks of missing persons, and twelve criminal apprehensions.

K9 Farrell Loved by Many

The post also stated that K9 Farrell was dearly loved by children in the community, and was "known for his cool tricks he performed for the young ones". He also participated in numerous demonstrations at businesses, schools, summer camps, and fairs throughout Ulster County, NY.

The post ended with a heartfelt thank you,

"The Ulster County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank Farrell for his years of dedicated and exemplary service to the citizens of Ulster County and this agency, and he will be missed."

 

Rest in Peace, K9 Farrell!