Chenango County Sheriff Mourns Loss of Police K-9 Hero “Jeroen”

A police dog who served in Chenango County valiantly for over 9 years has died.

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office is mourning the loss of one of their own. Nine year old K9 Jeroen passed away today after a short battle with cancer. He was transported by a multi-agency police escort to Pet Street Station Animal Hospital for a private ceremony. Our thoughts and prayers are with Detective Chad O’Hara, the O’Hara family, as well as the entire Chenango County Sheriff’s Office.

Jeroen had an amazing career, and never wavered in his selfless service to the citizens of Chenango County. After being born in the Netherlands he was purchased from Shallow Creek Kennels. He graduated from the Syracuse Police K9 School with his original handler Sgt Smietana. Following a 2014 injury to Sgt Smietana, K9 Jeroen partnered with Detective O’Hara.

In his nine years of service K9 Jeroen was involved in hundreds of narcotics investigations, tracked numerous fleeing suspects, apprehended burglars, and located missing persons. Jeroen also performed for thousands of people in public demonstrations. Jeroen was fearless in protecting the citizens of Chenango County and beyond. He touched countless lives, and will be deeply missed. Rest easy Jereon. Till we meet again in Valhalla!

End of Watch 4/10/2020.

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank Pet Street Station for their support of K9 Jeroen and our K9 program.