BOSTON — A new bill on Beacon Hill is trying to help protect police dogs hurt in the line of duty.
The bill, inspired by Yarmouth Sergeant Sean Gannon's K-9 partner Nero, would allow any emergency responder to provide first aid to a police K-9.
Currently, if a police dog is hurt while on the job, a K-9 handler needs to be called in to the scene to help.
Sgt. Gannon was fatally shot last April while serving a warrant on the Cape, while Nero was seriously injured in the same shooting.
Under current law, Nero could not be treated or transported by EMS crews that responded and instead had to wait for a retired K-9 officer to arrive.
[ Yarmouth Police say K-9 Nero has fully recovered, living with Gannon family ]