Wife of Sean Gannon to Honor Fallen Officers in Bicycle Ride

HYANNIS – The wife of fallen Yarmouth Police Sgt. Sean Gannon will honor the memory of her husband and all other officers who have died in the line of duty by participating in a bicycle ride next spring.

Dara Gannon will pedal 300 miles over four days in May from northern New Jersey to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington D.C. for the 2019 Police Unity Tour.

Sean, who was a K-9 handler for Yarmouth Police, was shot and killed in April while serving an arrest warrant at a Marstons Mills home. His K-9 partner Nero was also shot and has since recovered from the injuries.

“Dara is very, very pleased to be able to ride to honor Sean’s memory as well as the memory of other police officers throughout the country who have died in the line of duty,” said Attorney Bruce Bierhans, a spokesman for Dara Gannon.

The annual event – with the motto: “We Ride for Those Who Died” – has a goal to raise awareness for officers who have given their lives in the line of duty in service to their communities.

The event began in 1997 with just 18 riders and has grown to include more than 2,500 participants this year. The ride has also raised about $23 million for the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund.

In a message on Dara’s personal sponsorship page at policeunitytour.com, she said one of Sean’s passions was fitness which inspired her to participate in the ride.

“This May, I know he will be cheering me on for 300 miles,” Dara wrote.

Bierhans said the ride will be a challenge for Dara.

“She’s never done anything like this before, but she is thrilled to participate and she’s hopeful she will be able to finish,” Bierhans said.

The cyclists travel together in a group at a pace of up to 15 mph. The event also includes two 100 miles days.

“I have no doubt that there will be hundreds, if not thousands of people, cheering her on and gratified for what she is doing, not only to honor the memory of Sean but the other officers as well,” Bierhans said.

Bierhans said Dara is doing as well as can be expected under the cirumstances since the murder of her husband.

“She’s very, very grateful for the support that she has received from so many people, not only locally but nationally as well,” Bierhans said.

Last week Yarmouth Police announced that Nero had fully recovered from his wounds and was enjoying retirement from service and living back home with the Gannon Family.

“Dara has Nero and Thor at home and they do provide great emotional support for her,” Bierhans said. “It’s really been a blessing for her to have them back.”

Dara has already surpassed her fundraising goal of $5,000 for the ride, but donations can still be made at her personal event page.

The start of the National Police Survivors’ Conference follows the completion of the ride. Yarmouth Police and the Gannon’s are expected to participate in the conference.