Mass. first responders learning how to save lives of K9 partners through Nero’s Law

MARSHFIELD, Mass — The law passed in memory of Yarmouth Police K9 Nero has departments all across the state training.

Nero’s law requires all first responders to learn lifesaving skills for dogs serving in police departments. Nero was shot in 2018 and the law did not allow him to be transported in an ambulance. The new law lays out protocols and what first responders need to learn.

Inside the Marshfield Fire Department headquarters, first responders are learning how to assess, treat and transport police K9s.

Marshfield Animal Hospital Veterinarian Dr. Jeffrey Barrow is leading the training. “They deserve the same prompt treatment any other police officer would if they were injured in the line of duty,” said Barrow.

The training is mandated under the newly passed Nero’s law, named after Yarmouth police K9 Nero who was shot in 2018. The Marshfield Animal Hospital teaches how to administer CPR, first aid and how to be ready for anything possible.

Lt Kurt Lincoln says they were given mock scenarios to help them train on what to do.

“In case the dog got into some fentanyl or opioid drugs that we could give the dog Narcan as well,” said Lincoln.

Dr Jeffrey Barrow says these first responders already know all treatments – his team is just helping them apply them to K9s.

“They just need to know the anatomical differences and physiological differences between people and dogs,” said Barrow.

When k9 Nero was shot he was not allowed to be transported in an ambulance. That did turn into a longer time for him to be treated.

“These K9′s put their lives on the line every single day for us and they also save lives across the country,” said Marshfield Police Chief Phil Tavares.

Officer Rob Reidy is doing the training with his partner, K9 Fox. “I didn’t know where to feel for a pulse on a dog so we actually felt a pulse on a real live dog,” Reidy said.

The training was supposed to be completed across the state last month but a one-year extension was given so agencies could train and buy the extra equipment.

“The mother of all learning is repetition so just because we were trained once doesn’t mean we end there. We will continue to train all year round,” said Chief Tavares.

These first responders know this new law will make a difference.

“The quicker you can get them to the hospital or the vet,” said Officer Reidy.

Officials tell us Nero is doing great. Now 7 years old, he is retired and living with Sgt Sean Gannon’s widow, Dara. Nero still has the bullet in him.

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