The K-9 Sgt. Sean Gannon '07 Scholarship for Criminal Justice
On a spring day of April 12, 2018, Yarmouth police officer, Sean Gannon, and his K-9 companion, Nero, were serving an arrest warrant when they were both shot by the man being served.
Sean died from a gunshot wound that day while Nero made a full recovery after many days in a veterinary hospital. Nero now lives with Sean’s wife, Dara.
Many lives were changed by the events of that day, but one constant remains, the community and family’s love and admiration for Sean. As a police officer, Sean was a rising star in the department; others looked up to him as an example of service and dedication to the community he served. This is why the family of Sean Gannon, through The Cape Cod Foundation, established The Sean M. Gannon Memorial Fund Award. Westfield State University was selected as one of the inaugural recipients of this award. As a result, the Westfield State Foundation, Inc. is offering the K-9 Sgt. Sean Gannon ’07 Scholarship to a current Westfield State student majoring in Criminal Justice pursuing their dream of working in law enforcement.
“We are supporting things Sean cared deeply about,” said Dara Gannon. “He grew up in New Bedford and attended Westfield State University. Before coming to Yarmouth, he was a campus police officer at Stonehill College, chaperoned student service trips, and spent 3 years as a member in the local Big Brothers Big Sisters program. He also loved being outside and valued health and fitness.”
Students coming from southeastern Massachusetts who display a strong work ethic and commitment to the community as shown through community service and volunteerism are encouraged to apply. For more information about the memorial fund established in Sean’s name, please visit the Sean Gannon Fund.
Impact
“As a full-time student majoring in Criminal Justice and a committed member of my community, I will take immense pride in representing Sgt. Sean Gannon’s legacy throughout my current school year, as well as years to come.”
-Alyssa McKim, Criminal Justice and Political Science
“Thank you for choosing and even considering me for what I consider a sacred award. I remember when Officer Gannon was killed, and how I felt. At first, I felt angry, angry that someone would want to kill someone who chose such a noble and honorable profession, a profession of selfless service, someone who only wanted to help people and make a difference. I also felt angry that Officer Gannon would never see his wife, parents, and friends again. After feeling that for a few days, I then felt tremendously proud of Officer Gannon. I was proud that he was from Massachusetts, a state which I also call home. I was proud that he was willing to put his life on the line every day to make a difference in his community. I also felt blessed that we have men and women like Officer Gannon who are willing to die to keep people they don’t even know safe. I also feel blessed that this country has mothers and fathers like Mr. and Mrs. Gannon that raise daughters and sons with such character and courage. I don’t even have the words that would express my gratitude and thanks. And one day, when I’m a police officer, I hope I amount to half the man Officer Gannon was. Most of all, I hope I make Officer Gannon and his family proud.”
-Jacob Rebello ’22, Criminal Justice