Gov. Baker to join ceremonial signing for Nero’s Law

YARMOUTH, Mass. (WLNE) — Gov. Charlie Baker will join legislators and police officers for the ceremonial singing of Nero’s Law in Yarmouth on Tuesday.

The bill was drafted in response to the shooting that claimed the life of Yarmouth Police K-9 Sgt. Sean Gannon, and severely injured his K-9 partner, Nero.

Baker officially signed the bill into law in February.

Massachusetts law formerly prohibited emergency medical personnel from treating and transporting animals. 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 bill sponsored by State Sen. Mark Montigny allows police dogs injured in the line of duty to be taken to the hospital in the ambulance or treated by EMTs on scene.

Nero, who is retired, has since recovered from his injuries.