Massachusetts is working on a new specialty license plate to honor fallen Yarmouth Police Sergeant Sean Gannon.

Gannon, a Bishop Stang alum and New Bedford native, was killed in the line of duty in 2018 while serving as a K9 officer. The plate would proudly feature his initials “SG” along with a K9 logo. The idea is simple: give drivers a way to support K9 teams while keeping Gannon’s memory alive on the road.

If approved, the plate would cost $40, and the proceeds would go directly to helping retired and active K9 officers across the state. Funds would also support training, equipment and the Sgt. Sean M. Gannon Memorial Fund, which helps departments and handlers in need. It’s an easy way for everyday drivers to make a real impact.

READ MORE: Massachusetts Governor Signs ‘Nero’s Law’

Before the plate can become official, however, the state needs 3,000 people to preorder it. Right now, the project is roughly 70-75 percent of the way there, meaning about 800 to 900 more orders are needed to launch production.

Where the Money Goes

The proceeds from the plate would support veterinary care, training tools and retirement resources for working K9s. A portion also goes toward scholarships and department support through the Sgt. Sean M. Gannon Memorial Fund. Every plate ordered helps fund real-life needs for the dogs and handlers who protect our communities.

WBSM-AM/AM 1420 logo
Get our free mobile app

How Close We Are

The RMV cannot begin printing the plates until the 3,000-order minimum is met. Organizers say they are getting closer every week, but still need that final push. Once the goal is hit, production takes about eight to 10 months.

How You Can Help

Anyone in Massachusetts can preorder a plate here. You don’t need to wait for your car registration to be due.

When this plate finally hits the road, every “SG” will serve as a reminder of a local hero and a symbol of support for the K9 teams keeping Massachusetts safe.

22 Photos From the Wake of New Bedford Police Sgt. Michael Cassidy

New Bedford Police Sergeant Michael Cassidy was remembered on Monday, May 10, before being laid to rest to the next day. Cassidy lost his battle with COVID-19 on April 28 at the age of 52.

Gallery Credit: Gazelle

Massachusetts Vanity Plates That Made Us LOL

Lots of drivers like to show their personalities through vanity license plates. Here are some registered plates in Massachusetts that had us either laughing or scratching our heads.

Gallery Credit: Maddie Levine

SouthCoast's Best-Looking Police Cruisers

They're sleek, they're shiny, they're authoritative. Check out these police cruisers from throughout the SouthCoast

Gallery Credit: Michael Rock

More From WBSM-AM/AM 1420