Cape Cod Police Officer Sean Gannon 'Epitome of Kindness'

YARMOUTH, MA — Sean Gannon, the Cape Cod police officer shot and killed Thursday in Barnstable, was the "epitome of kindness and selflessness," according to his colleagues. Gannon was shot by career criminal Thomas Latanowich as officers raided a Barnstable residence to arrest him on a warrant, police said. Gannon was reportedly hit in the head and transported to Cape Cod Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. His police dog, Nero, was also shot and in stable condition Friday.

Gannon, 32, left behind a wife. His death left those who knew him devastated.

"For all that knew Sean, knew him as the epitome of kindness and selflessness," Yarmouth police said in a statement. "We have lost a brother ... We are struggling to comprehend what has happened today."

Yarmouth police Chief Frank Frederickson told WCVB Gannon was a "remarkable young man."

"We referred to him as the Tom Brady of the Yarmouth Police Department," Frederickson told the news station. "He died doing what he loved to do, and that is working with his dog, helping his brother officers and protecting all of you."

Gannon was a volunteer for Cape Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cape Cod & the Islands.

"Sean shared his wisdom, sense of adventure and passion for life," said JR Mell, regional director for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cape Cod and the Islands, in a statement.

The child he was mentoring plans to follow in Gannon's footsteps and become a police officer when he grows up, Mell said.

"Sean was the definition of a community-minded officer," Mell added. "He led by example and always gave of himself to others ... This tragedy has left a hole in the lives of so many."

A fundraiser was established for Gannon's wife:

• GoFundMe: Yarmouth K-9 Officer Sean Gannon

Hundreds of mourners gathered at Yarmouth police headquarters to pay their respects. Some draped his patrol car in flowers.

Latanowich pleaded not guilty to murder charges Friday and was held without bail.

Previous:

• Cape Cod Police Officer Gunned Down
• Somerville 'Career Criminal' Arrested For Killing Yarmouth Cop
• Slain Cape Cod Police Officer's Dog 'Stable' After Shooting
• Accused Massachusetts Cop Killer Pleads Not Guilty
• Cape Cod Police Officer Murder: Massachusetts 'Heartbroken'
• Cape Cod Career Criminal (111 Priors) Arrested in Stabbing: PD

Photos: Yarmouth police Officer Sean Gannon, shot and killed in the line of duty in Barnstable April 12, 2018. By his side is police dog Nero, who was also shot. The dog was expected to survive. (Credit: Yarmouth Police Department)