Baker Signs 'Nero's Law' On 4 Year Anniversary Of Sgt. Gannon's Death

YARMOUTH, MA — On the four-year anniversary of Yarmouth Police Sgt. Sean Gannon's death, Gov. Charlie Baker held a ceremonial signing of Nero's Law.

The law is named after Yarmouth K9 Nero, Sgt. Sean Gannon's dog, who was shot in the face and neck when Gannon was fatally shot during a police standoff in 2018. Nero ultimately made a full recovery, but he had to wait four hours before a retired K-9 handler could arrive at the scene and get him to a veterinarian for surgery.

Nero's Law authorizes emergency medical service personnel to provide emergency treatment and transport of K-9 partners, including basic first aid, CPR and administering lifesaving interventions such as naloxone.

Gov. Baker officially signed the bill into law in February. Prior to this law, Massachusetts formerly prohibited emergency medical personnel from treating and transporting animals.

"I'm thrilled that it made it through the process and got to our desk, and we'll look forward to having some sort of signing ceremony associated with that," Baker told State House News Service in February.

Gannon, 32, was shot and killed while serving a warrant in Barnstable in April 2018. Nero had to be rushed to the animal hospital in the back of a police cruiser with a gunshot wound to the side of his face. The bullet was also believed to be lodged in the K-9's shoulder.

Nero is now retired, after recovering from his injuries and is now living with Gannon's widow.

Thomas Latanowich, the man convicted of Gannon's murder and injuring Nero, was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison in connection to the shooting.