Fallen Yarmouth sergeant's family fights for K-9 treatment bill

BOSTON — Yarmouth Police Sgt. Sean Gannon was shot and killed more than a year ago in the line of duty.

It was also a very close call for his K-9 partner Nero.

At the statehouse Thursday, Sgt. Gannon's family was fighting to change the law to better help other police dogs who are hurt in the line of duty.

It was a surprise to many that on that April day when Nero was shot, the first responders were not able to provide aid or transport the police dog.

"People are stunned that Nero wasn't able to be transported by human paramedics or first responders," Denise Gannon said. "Everyone just presumed, 'well, why not?'"

Under current law, paramedics are not able to provide aid or transport police dogs.

"This wasn't on anybody's radar," Denise said. "Everybody just presumed, 'of course you can pick up an animal that is in distress and bring them.'"

Nero had to wait for a retired K-9 officer to arrive on scene that day to help get him to emergency care.

State Representative Will Crocker (R-Barnstable) helped write a bill to change the law.  Law enforcement and Sgt. Gannon's parents shared their support for the bill.

"We want to be Sean's voice here as well," his father, Patrick Gannon, said. "He was an animal lover here his entire life and very devoted to both of his K-9 partners and I think he would be terribly hurt and crushed to think his beloved animal was not able to get timely care."

The bill still has to pass in the house and senate and be signed by the governor.

Cox Media Group