Andover firefighters completed prehospital care training for “Nero’s Law,” which allows EMTs to treat and transport police K9 officers who are sick or injured in the line of duty.
“We are fortunate to be among the first few departments trained in Nero’s Law,” Andover Ma Firefighters Local 1658, the union that represents Andover firefighters, said in a Facebook post.
Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker signed Nero’s Law in April. Nero was critically injured and his handler, Yarmouth Police Sgt. Sean Ganno, was killed in 2018. Massachusetts law at the time did not allow EMTs to treat Nero.
“Nero and all K9 Officers like him deserve the same quality of care that we are able to deliver to all law enforcement personnel,” Baker said at the April ceremony.
Andover’s police dog, Grimm (photo, above), died from an aggressive form of lung cancer in January after 10 years on the force. Andover residents lined downtown streets with signs as Grimm was driven for one last ride through Andover. Grimm was handled by Andover Police Sgt. Michael Connor.
Photo: Andover Police Department/Facebook