Yarmouth Police Officer Sean Gannon Laid To Rest

YARMOUTH, MA — Thousands of mourners, including law enforcement officers from across the country, honored fallen Yarmouth police Officer Sean Gannon on Wednesday. Gannon, 32, was shot and killed Thursday in Barnstable while searching for a career criminal. His funeral was held Wednesday at St. Pius X Church in Yarmouth. Hundreds of officers lined the streets to pay tribute.

Gannon was a K-9 officer. His dog, Nero, was also shot Thursday. The animal survived.

Police on Wednesday posthumously promoted Gannon to sergeant.

"Sergeant Gannon leaves a legacy of high moral integrity, infectious humor, and collaborative work," Yarmouth police said in a statement. "Whatever Sean did, he gave 100% of himself."

The accused shooter, Thomas Latanowich, 29, of Somerville, was arrested and charged with murder and mistreating a police dog. He pleaded not guilty to the charges and was ordered held without bail. Police said Latanowich has 125 criminal charges on his record.

"(Latanowich) was going to hurt or kill somebody else and Sean stopped that from happening," Yarmouth police Chief Frank Frederickson said during a community vigil. "It's hard to measure what we prevent but I can guarantee you Sean saved somebody’s life."

Gannon left behind a wife. A fundraiser was established for her.

Governor Charlie Baker, who attended Gannon's services, said the officer's death left the state "heartbroken."

"The Commonwealth is blessed to have courageous men and women who put their lives on the line to protect our communities every day," Baker said in a statement.

Photos, Video: Yarmouth police Officer Sean Gannon's Funeral April 18, 2018

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• Cape Cod Police Officer Gunned Down
• Shot Cape Cod Police Dog Recovering, 'Standing Strong'
• MA Lawmaker: Reinstate Death Penalty After Officer's Killing
• 'The Massachusetts Criminal Justice System Has Let Us Down'
• Accused Massachusetts Cop Killer Pleads Not Guilty
• Obituary: Yarmouth Police Officer Sean Gannon

Lead photo: Mourners covered Yarmouth police Officer Sean Gannon's patrol car in flowers following his shooting death April 12, 2018. (Credit: Yarmouth Police Department)