Massachusetts Lawmakers Honor Fallen Officer Sean Gannon

BOSTON, MA — Massachusetts lawmakers on Beacon Hill this week honored fallen Cape Cod Police Officer Sean Gannon. Gannon was shot and killed earlier this month searching for a career criminal in Barnstable. On Tuesday, lawmakers opened their session at the State House with a moment of silence for Gannon.

"We as a commonwealth really lost not only a great police officer but a great man," House Speaker Robert DeLeo said in addressing the chamber, according to the State House News Service. "We send our thoughts and prayers first to his wife, now a widow at a very young age, his parents and all of his family and friends."

Gannon was 32 years old. Police said Thomas Latanowich, who has 125 criminal charges on his record, shot and killed Gannon April 12 as officers tried to arrest Latanowich for a probation violation. Latanowich also shot Gannon's police dog in the face and neck, police said. The dog, "Nero," survived.

Cape Cod lawmakers have petitioned for an investigation into why Latanowich was allowed out in the community with his extensive criminal record. Latanowich's record includes charges involving assault, guns and drugs.

"It is clear that Latanowich is a career criminal with a predilection towards violence, both to complete strangers and those close to him," Cape Cod lawmakers wrote in a letter to their colleagues. "But he has faced little prison time for his extensive crimes, only serving prison time from 2010-2014 for various gun and drug charges."

The letter added, "We respectfully request that (state committees) ... convene an oversight hearing in the coming weeks to further scrutinize this matter and to identify lapses in the criminal justice system that led to Latanowich committing this crime."

More:

• Yarmouth Police Officer Sean Gannon Laid To Rest
• Shot Cape Cod Police Dog 'Stronger By The Day'
• Accused Massachusetts Cop Killer Pleads Not Guilty
• Yarmouth Police Honor Sean Gannon In Final Radio Call
• Cape Cod Police Officer Murder: Massachusetts 'Heartbroken'

Lead photo: Yarmouth Police Officer Sean Gannon, who was shot and killed in Barnstable April 12, 2018. (Credit: Yarmouth Police Department)