YARMOUTH, MASS. (WHDH) - The Yarmouth community is remembering Sgt. Sean Gannon one year after he was killed in the line of duty.
The town lowered flags to half-staff in his honor on Friday as the police department encouraged the public to thank an officer when they see one, put a blue light on at their home or business to show support for law enforcement, and work to support sensible laws that protect those who serve.
Police Chief Frank Frederickson says Gannon’s family and Yarmouth police officers are “sadly still adjusting to the loss” of the eight-year veteran.
“One thing is for certain is that the support of the citizens of Yarmouth, Cape Cod, and beyond has been incredible and has helped us heal,” he said.
Gannon’s widow, Dara, wrote in a letter to the community that she is thankful for the community’s support as she continues to grieve.
Read the full letter below:
As the one-year anniversary of my husband’s death approaches, my thoughts turn to the days following April 12. The fog of grief clouded much of my memory during those early months. However, I clearly recall the sea of tear-stained faces lining the procession route. I witnessed love that day; it was a gift I will never forget.
Thank you for your prayers and your meaningful letters. Thank you for the pictures drawn by your children, for the flowers, gifts, cards and the many homemade meals. Thank you for the stickers on your cars, and the blue lights and flags on your homes. For all of that, and for so much more, I am eternally grateful.
Sean has been honored by the community in so many beautiful ways. Yet, he was a private person and did not like being the center of attention. He never sought recognition for himself. He acted on his principles and led by example. That’s how he lived his life, on and off the job. He inspires me every single day.
If you want to remember Sean, find your own quiet way to show someone you care. That note or text you’ve been meaning to write but keep putting off — send it. Take time to ask a friend or a colleague how he or she is doing, and really listen. Own up to a mistake and make it right. Pick up the extra shift for someone who needs the time off. Buy a coffee or pay the toll for a stranger behind you. No gesture is too small. To that person, it could make all the difference that day. We each have a special gift. Please use yours for someone else. I feel that is Sean’s legacy.
While my loss has been quite public, we usually can’t see the challenges facing others. But if we keep showing up for each other, we don’t have to carry the pain alone. Over the last year, I’ve watched as you wrapped your arms around other families in need. It makes me proud to call Cape Cod my home.
This April 12 will be a private day for me and my family, but I will never forget the comfort and support that the community has given us and our family in blue.
Thank you for holding Sean in your hearts.
Let’s keep taking care of each other.
Respectfully,
Dara Gannon
Watch the tribute video created by Yarmouth police officer Nicholas Giammarco below:
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