Family of Sgt. Sean Gannon reflects on 5 years since he was killed in the line of duty
YARMOUTH, Mass. (WLNE) — The family of Yarmouth Police Sgt. Sean Gannon wrote an open letter reflecting on five years since he was killed in the line of duty.
Gannon and his K-9 partner, Nero, were shot by a suspect while he and other officers were serving an arrest warrant at a Barnstable home on April 12, 2018.
His dog survived, and in September 2022, Nero’s Law was signed to provide emergency first aid to K-9s injured at a scene.
“The qualities of compassion, generosity, self-sacrifice, a strong work ethic and basic decency that define Sean to his core continue to emerge that preserve not only his memory but bring a light of hope into a dark world,” the Gannon family said in a letter. “Sean shone his light in his all too brief life. Now we can best remember him by doing the same.”
The Yarmouth Police Department said Gannon was a leader and an example for other officers to follow.
“He was a man of high moral character and a left a legacy of doing the right thing when no one is looking; integrity,” the department said in a social media post. “He never sought recognition or reward, but acted as if his actions were reward enough.”
A Somerville man was convicted of second-degree murder in the shooting and is serving a life sentence.
The Cape Cod community and all of New England rallied around the Gannon family and Yarmouth police.
A Cape Cod Municipal Police Academy scholarship was created in honor of Gannon to recruit officers in the community he protected for eight years.
The following is the full letter provided from the Gannon family:
On this fifth anniversary of Sean’s untimely death, may we take this opportunity to thank the thousands of people who continue to keep his memory and legacy alive through the countless memorials, letters, honors and ultimately, the gift of friendship to our family. Moreover, the good that continues to emerge from such a grievous loss not only to our family but to the community that Sean served with distinction reveals the innate goodness of people that goes beyond the pale. The qualities of compassion, generosity, self-sacrifice, a strong work ethic and basic decency that define Sean to his core continue to emerge that preserve not only his memory but bring a light of hope into a dark world. Sean shone his light in his all too brief life. Now we can best remember him by doing the same.
As Sean’s widow Dara has previously stated, ‘No gesture of kindness is too small. Without seeking attention for himself, Sean acted on his principles and led by example.’ We can do likewise. In this fifth anniversary of Sean’s death we can best honor Sean’s sacrifice and legacy by our care for one another and for the greater good in the world.
To you all, our deepest thanks.Sincerely,
The Gannon Family.
