Massachusetts Issues License Plates Honoring Sean Gannon

The commemorative license plates feature the initials of the fallen sergeant and an image of his K-9 partner.

Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Law Enforcement

Massachusetts Issues License Plates Honoring Sean Gannon

Massachusetts has begun distributing over 5,000 custom license plates created to honor the memory of Sergeant Sean Gannon. The plates feature the initials SG and an image of Nero, the K-9 partner of the sergeant who was killed in 2018.

Why it matters

The commemorative program supports retired police and military K-9s, serving as a legacy project for a fallen officer. Beyond the license plates, the community also honors his service through a K-9 training center established by the Yarmouth Police Department.

Following the 2021 conviction of Thomas Latanowich for second-degree murder in the death of Sergeant Sean Gannon, the state has now moved to commemorative initiatives. The process for distributing the 5,000 ordered plates officially began this October.

The players

Sean Gannon

He was a sergeant whose service and ultimate sacrifice are commemorated through state programs and a dedicated K-9 training center.

Thomas Latanowich

He is a convicted murderer who was found guilty in 2021 for his role in the death of Sergeant Sean Gannon.

Yarmouth Police Department

This local law enforcement agency established a K-9 training center to preserve the legacy of Sergeant Gannon.

The details

The Massachusetts state government coordinated the rollout of these plates, with the parents of Sergeant Gannon receiving the inaugural set. Proceeds generated from these sales are dedicated to supporting the well-being of retired police and military K-9s.

2018: Sergeant Sean Gannon was killed in a shooting.
2021: Thomas Latanowich was found guilty of murder.
October 18, 2026: Gannon's parents received the first license plate.
October 21, 2026: Official announcement regarding plate arrivals.

Legal Context

This commemorative effort follows a pattern of community and state-level recognition established in the wake of the 2018 shooting death of Sergeant Sean Gannon. It reflects a broader trend of utilizing personalized vehicle registration to support fallen officers and K-9 advocacy.

Residents who ordered the plates can expect delivery following the official state rollout. The program directly benefits retired K-9s, providing a way for the public to contribute to their care through their vehicle registration.

The takeaway

The issuance of these plates highlights a sustained community effort to honor fallen officers beyond the conclusion of the related criminal trials. Residents interested in supporting K-9 retirement can monitor state registration portals for future commemorative plate opportunities.