Yarmouth Police Officer Sean Gannon. (Facebook.com/Yarmouth Police Department)
BARNSTABLE (WBZ-AM) -- There was a slow crescendo of shock and sorrow that crept across the Cape Thursday night as the sad news spread that a police officer had been killed in the line of duty.
Yarmouth Police Officer Sean Gannon was fatally shot in the head while serving a warrant in Barnstable.
The 32-year-old K-9 officer was one of several officers serving the warrant at a home on Blueberry Lane Thursday afternoon. His K-9 partner, Nero, was injured.
29-year-old Tom Latanowich of Somerville was arrested after a lengthy standoff with officers where he barricaded himself inside the home.
Latanowich is a noted violent criminal with over 110 prior criminal charges. He was ordered held without bail at a Barnstable District Court arraignment Friday.
Somerville Man Held Without Bail In Yarmouth Officer's Killing
Gannon had been with the Yarmouth Police Department for eight years. He leaves behind a wife.
Yarmouth Police Chief Frank Frederickson said this is an enormous loss for the department.
"Sean was a wonderful, wonderful young man, and I'm not just saying that," he said. "The sky was the limit for him. We're gonna miss him terribly. Our department's going to miss him terribly."
In front of the Yarmouth Police Department Friday morning, Officer Gannon's K-9 cruiser was draped in black bunting with its lights flashing. Flags were left at half-staff.
"We're gonna do our best to have healing take place, and we're gonna need our community's support for this--which I know is going to be immense, it's already been shown," Chief Frederickson said.
Until Officer Gannon's name can be added to the memorial for Yarmouth Police officers lost in the line of duty, people have been leaving items at a makeshift memorial for him. Someone left a candle with a blue stripe, while others left flowers.
"I hope that everybody out there appreciates the work that police officers across the country do every day, every day," Chief Frederickson said. "To become a victim of a violent crime like this is just intolerable."
Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker reacted to the news Thursday night.
"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," Gov. Baker said. "The Commonwealth is blessed to have courageous men and women who put their lives on the line to protect our communities every day."
Later Thursday evening, complete strangers stood on the side of the road to pay their respects as Officer Gannon's body was transported from Cape Cod Hospital to the Medical Examiner's Office.
"I think it's important to honor our military and law enforcement, that's why we came down here," one man told WBZ-TV.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Karyn Regal reports