Southcoast Health renamed its inpatient pediatric unit at St. Luke’s Hospital the K-9 Sgt. Sean McNamee Gannon Pediatric Unit to honor the life and contributions of the officer who lost his life on April 12. The dedication took place in a private ceremony on September 18, 2018.

A member of the K-9 unit of the Yarmouth Police Department, Sgt. Sean M. Gannon, was shot and killed in the line of duty. His dog, Nero, was also shot but survived his injuries.

“The tragic loss of K-9 Officer Sgt. Sean M. Gannon was deeply personal for many of us here at Southcoast,” said Keith A. Hovan, President & CEO of Southcoast Health. “Both of Sean’s parents – Denise Morency and Patrick Gannon are well-known and respected employees here, and Sean, his brother, Tim, and sister, Martha, were born right here at St. Luke’s. Learning of Sean’s passing and this terrible tragedy was devastating to all of us who know and work alongside the Gannons. We all share their profound sadness.”

The idea to dedicate the pediatric was presented by Hovan to the Southcoast Health Board of Trustees, and was unanimously supported.

“Many of us on the Board have worked closely with Pat over the years, ” said Jason Rua, Chair of the Southcoast Health Board of Trustees. “We have come to know Pat and Denise quite well and are thankful for the tremendous work and many years of dedicated service.

“As a Board, we fully and wholeheartedly supported Keith’s recommendation to rename our inpatient Pediatric unit in Sean’s memory,” Rua said. “We are proud to be able to honor his legacy in this way, but moreover we are appreciative of the contributions Sean has made to the welfare of the community.”

During the dedication, Hovan and Sgt. Gannon’s family unveiled a 17-foot-long installation that includes the name of the unit, photographs depicting Sean’s life and an inscription. In part the inscription reads:

“K-9 Sgt. Sean M. Gannon leaves a legacy of virtue, valor and kindness throughout his public service. He inspires us all, through his example, to be our best selves on behalf of others. His legacy lives on through every good deed done and kind gesture provided, making a positive difference in our community.”

“We cannot bring back Sean’s infectious humor, his integrity, and the inspiration he provided to young people through his work in law enforcement and his volunteerism with the Big Brother/Big Sister organization,” Hovan said. “But Sgt. Gannon’s spirit and his commitment to service will be honored every day in the work of the Southcoast pediatricians, nurses and other caregivers of this unit who share his commitment to serve others. His memory will live on in all of us.”