Nero’s Law Training

Last session, I was deeply honored to have been the presenting House sponsor of Nero’s Bill, and to have worked together with my colleagues to see Nero’s Bill passed into law. This important legislation is intended to provide life-saving emergency medical services to police dogs who are injured in the line of duty.

One of the key components of the law is training for first responders to make sure they are fully prepared to render appropriate care in the event of an emergency. It is gratifying to see this training being carried out on an ongoing basis this year, as first responders across the state have been attending sessions on how to render first aid to an injured animal and how best to transport such an animal to the hospital. I am honored to have been present at some of these sessions myself and to witness the tremendous devotion our first responders show each and every day as part of their job.

I am working hard to bring the message of Nero’s Law to colleagues in other states, in hopes that this important legislation will be replicated nationwide. I have also filed a separate piece of legislation this session (known as “Dakota’s Law”) which is intended to establish a new fund which (subject to annual state appropriation) would be used to pay for documented expenses for the care, support, and medical needs of retired police dogs, some of whom incurred injuries in the line of duty.

As someone who was there on the day the law’s namesake (Nero) was injured and his K9 handler (Yarmouth K9 Sgt. Sean Gannon) was killed, I would like to personally thank all of those who are involved in this important work as it continues to honor the memory and legacy of Sgt. Gannon, who is forever in our hearts.