Yarmouth Police Department

Slain K9 Officer Sean Gannon Posthumously Promoted to Sergeant

The Yarmouth Police Department announced it has posthumously promoted K9 officer Sean Gannon to sergeant on the day of his funeral.

Yarmouth Chief of Police Steven Xiarhos issued a statement Wednesday saying that Gannon "leaves a legacy of high moral integrity, infectious humor, and collaborative work with colleagues" ahead of his funeral Mass at St. Pius X Church in Yarmouth.

The 32-year-old was fatally shot last Thursday as he and other officers were serving an arrest warrant at a home in Barnstable. His K9 partner, Nero, was also shot in the incident; however, Nero is expected to fully recover following his surgery at a veterinary hospital.

The 8-year veteran of the department enjoyed traveling, being outside, working with his hands, and volunteering his time to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cape Cod and the Islands.

"Whatever Sean did, he gave 100 percent of himself," Xiarhos said in a statement. "He will be profoundly missed by his family, colleagues, and friends."

Gannon left behind his wife Dara, his parents, siblings and various loved ones, according to authorities.

He graduated with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Westfield State University in 2007 and a master's degree in Emergency Management from Massachusetts Maritime Academy in 2011. He also graduated from the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority Municipal Police Academy.

Gannon began his law enforcement career at Stonehill College in 2007 as a campus police officer before joining the Yarmouth Police Department in 2010. He then went on to become the first full-time K9 narcotics officer for the department with his K9 Thor, and then later Nero.

The shooting suspect, 29-year-old Thomas Latanowich, is being held without bail after his arraignment on Friday on a murder charged and one count of mistreating a police dog.

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