Local Officials React to Line of Duty Murder of YPD Officer

YARMOUTH – The community is reacting to the murder of Yarmouth Police Officer Sean Gannon.

Governor Charlie Baker yesterday ordered that all flags in the commonwealth be lowered to half-staff in honor of the YPD K-9 officer who was shot and killed while attempting to serve a warrant at a home on Blueberry Lane in Marstons Mills.

“I am heartbroken to learn of the passing of Officer Gannon and my thoughts and prayers are with his family, loved ones and the Yarmouth Police Department after this tragic loss.” said Baker in a statement, “The Commonwealth is blessed to have courageous men and women who put their lives on the line to protect our communities every day.”

State Representative Tim Whelan, himself a former state trooper, said that the loss affects the entire community.

“This is every cop’s nightmare, this is every cop’s family’s nightmare, this is every community that supports its law enforcement, it’s their collective nightmare and we’re unfortunately living it right now.”

Whalen, who knew officer Gannon, says that it is now up to the community to support each other and unite as the region works to get through the shock and loss.

“About as classy, and gentlemanly, and decent a man as you’re going to find anywhere,” remembered Whelan, “I just saw him most recently, probably about a month ago and had a few minutes just to go over and laugh and joke with him. I just don’t know what to say I think a lot of us are just kind of speechless by this loss.”

Second Barnstable District State Representative Will Crocker also sent his support to Gannon’s family and local law enforcement.

“The already amazing show of support from our first responders, our community, and the entire Cape, have been, and continue to be, a beacon in the darkness of a tragedy.” said Crocker, “On behalf of the constituents that I represent from the Second Barnstable District and myself, we send our deepest prayers and sympathies to Officer Gannon’s family and the entire Yarmouth Police Department.”

Local first responders have joined colleagues from around the commonwealth and the nation to offer support for to the Yarmouth Police Department as the community tries to piece together how something like this could happen.

By DABID BEATTY, CapeCod.com NewsCenter