Nero’s Law recognized in Yarmouth on anniversary of police sergeant’s line of duty death

YARMOUTH, Mass. — A new state law meant to offer more protection to police dogs was highlighted in Yarmouth on Tuesday, on the fourth anniversary of Yarmouth Police Sergeant Sean Gannon’s death in the line of duty.

Sgt. Gannon was shot and killed in 2018. Gannon, 32, and his K-9, Nero, were part of a team of officers serving a warrant on a number of firearms violations at a home on Blueberry Lane.

His K9, Nero was wounded. At the time, Nero could not be treated or taken by ambulance to a veterinary hospital because of rules that prohibited medical personnel from administering first aid to animals. That has now changed.

“Nero and all K9 Officers like him deserve the same quality of care that we are able to deliver to all law enforcement personnel,” Governor Charlie Baker said. “The swift medical treatment and transport now permitted through Nero’s Law will save lives, and we are grateful to the Legislature for their commitment to this important issue.”

That treatment includes first aid, CPR and life-saving interventions. “Nero’s Law” was sponsored by State Representative Steven Xiarhos and State Senator Mark Montigny. It was signed into law by Baker in February.

Baker was in Yarmouth Tuesday for a ceremonial signing of the law. Baker was joined by Sgt Gannon’s widow, Dara Gannon, and Gannon’s mother Denise and K9 Nero.

“The Gannon family is profoundly grateful to the legislators and veterinary professionals who took the initiative to draft the Bill that became Nero’s Law, which affords our beloved K-9s who serve us all with unfailing loyalty the expedient care they richly deserve if and when needed,” Denise Gannon said.

The man who shot Sgt. Gannon in 2018 was found guilty of second-degree murder last year.

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