Bo, the bloodhound of the Gastonia Police Department, has been honored as a semifinalist for the prestigious American Humane Hero Dog Award. This recognition comes after Bo’s remarkable achievements in locating criminals and missing individuals over the past year.
Bo, who joined the Gastonia police force in October 2023, has made a significant impact in both criminal and missing person cases. His handler, K9 Sergeant David Rowland, expressed his surprise at Bo’s success, particularly given the challenging urban environment they operate in. “I never anticipated achieving the level of success we’ve had, especially in such a difficult tracking environment,” Rowland noted.
Bo’s notable contributions include locating a missing man at a Food Lion in Cramerton during frigid 10-degree weather in January. “It was astounding that Bo could follow such a faint scent in those conditions,” Rowland said. Another remarkable achievement occurred in May when Bo assisted in finding a 7-year-old abducted at knifepoint. Rowland highlighted the difficulty of tracking through seven miles of urban terrain, stating, “The presence of vehicle traffic, other human odors, and animals made this a formidable task.”
These successes have propelled Bo into the semifinals of the Hero Dog Award competition, where he competes alongside four other dogs. Rowland emphasized the significance of this accolade for both Bo and the Gastonia Police Department. “Being able to put a badge on Bo’s vest would be incredibly meaningful for our department,” he said. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and seeing Bo recognized on the red carpet would be a proud moment for us.”
Supporters can vote daily for Bo until October 9. To cast your vote, visit the American Humane Hero Dog Award website and help celebrate Bo’s remarkable contributions to public safety.
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