Watch CBS News

K-9 Units Training In Chelmsford Knew Slain Yarmouth Police Sergeant

CHELMSFORD (CBS) - K-9 units scoured Chelmsford Middle School in search for drugs on Friday.

It's all a part of the U.S. Police Canine Association K-9 Narcotics Certification, the same type of training fallen Yarmouth police Sgt. Sean Gannon and his dog Nero went through.

K9-training-Chelmsford
K-9 units scoured Chelmsford Middle School in search for drugs Friday during a training. (WBZ-TV)

Gannon was killed last week as he tried to arrest a career criminal on an outstanding warrant. His dog Nero was severely injured.

"It's dangerous and it's getting a lot worse," Chelmsford Police Chief David Leo said.

On Friday, the police dogs went through a series of tests and scenarios both inside and outside the school, searching for narcotics.

Many of the officers here knew Sgt. Gannon and they said the work they do to protect the public is extremely dangerous.

Officer Sean Gannon With Nero
Officer Sean Gannon and his K-9 Nero in 2017. (Image Credit: Yarmouth Police Department)

"Very tragic. Day in and day out, officers and guys I train are put into that same predicament, where you have to use your dog and you never know what the outcome will be," Essex County Sheriff's Department K-9 unit trainer Donald Evans said.

The K-9 units will go through a series of trainings and certifications throughout their career. It's risky and dangerous. They put themselves and their dogs on the line, but this what they train for.

"The dogs are out there, they're actually to protect us, to protect the people and they put their lives on the line every single day," Evans said.

Sgt. Gannon was laid to rest this week. His dog, Nero, is still recovering and has a long road ahead.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.