Dennis Farrell, an Elmhurst native, is a graduate of the Monsignor McClancy Memorial High School, class of 1966. He is the oldest of seven sons born to the late Ruth & Joseph Farrell. He joined the Nassau County Police Department (NCPD) in 1967 as a Police Cadet. He would go on to an outstanding law enforcement career that would span almost six decades,
During his lengthy and distinguished career Dennis had the opportunity to serve in multiple important positions. Initially working as a patrol officer, he was later promoted to detective. In that role Dennis literally investigated thousands of crimes from larceny to murder. Following his promotion, he would be assigned to such prestigious units as Special Victims Unit, Cold Case Squad and Homicide Squad. In each of these assignments Dennis developed a reputation for improving unit morale, enhancing investigative procedures and promoting innovative use of technology and science in the investigative process. During this time, he received many departmental and community commendations recognizing his exceptional level of success. In 1997 Dennis was selected to attend the renowned FBI National Academy. There he was the first NCPD member elected Session Representative (Class President). After retiring from the NCPD, he had the great honor of finishing his law enforcement career in 2026 as the Chief Investigator for Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly.
Dennis renewed his relationship with McClancy in 1986 when he contacted Brother Joseph Rocco, then principal of the school, and Dennis’ former classmate, to discuss a twenty-year class reunion. Since that time Dennis has continued that association by serving on the school advisory committee and later the Board of Governors, including one year as the Chairman of the Board.
On September 11, 2001, Dennis’ brother Terry, a New York City Firefighter, was killed in the collapse of the South Tower of the World Trade Center. Devastated by the loss of Terry, the Farrell brothers found the Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund. For the past twenty-four years the fund, administered by Dennis’ brother Brian, has provided scholarships to the children of firefighters, given financial support to those suffering serious illness and provided firefighting equipment to economically depressed communities throughout the United States.
Dennis and his wife Karen resided in Hicksville, N.Y. Together, they raised their three daughters Shauna, Kara and Deena. As a family, they were active in school, athletics and dance activities. Dennis credits Karen for the incredible, successful women his daughters are today. Karen passed away in 2016. Dennis now resides in Oyster Bay, N.Y. and Naples, FL.