Hello Valley Patriot Readers,
Four years ago, in April 2018, when residents across Massachusetts mourned the tragic loss of Yarmouth Police Sgt. Sean Gannon, who was killed in the line of duty while serving a warrant, Gannon’s K9, Nero, was also shot and suffered life-threatening injuries.
Under state law at the time, first responders could not treat Nero at the scene. Instead, despite the presence of medical personnel at the scene, he had to be driven to a local animal hospital in the back of a police cruiser.
This was simply unacceptable. Nero’s critical injuries should have been allowed to be treated right on site.
That is why I am so grateful the Massachusetts Senate recently passed legislation I co-sponsored, Nero’s Law, that will permit emergency medical personnel to offer emergency medical treatment and transport of K9 partners, including first aid, CPR and lifesaving interventions.
With the bill’s recent signing into law by the Governor, Massachusetts is following in the footsteps of several other states, including California, Illinois, New York, Ohio, and Wisconsin, that have similar laws on the books.
Nero and all K9 officers have a significant, positive impact on the communities and departments they serve and deserve the quality of care on-site when it is possible. The ability to provide immediate medical treatment and transport will help save lives.
Thank you to Representative Steven Xiarhos and Senator Mark Montigny for sponsoring this important legislation.
If you have any questions on this or any other issue, please feel free to contact me anytime via email at Diana.Dizoglio@masenate.gov or phone at 978-984-7747.
Yours in service,
Diana ◊