Current:Home > reviewsBo the police K-9, who located child taken at knifepoint, wins Hero Dog Awards 2024 -RiskWatch
Bo the police K-9, who located child taken at knifepoint, wins Hero Dog Awards 2024
View
Date:2025-04-17 10:44:08
Some of America's most heroic dogs have been honored for their extraordinary service to humankind but one has arisen as a winner.
North Carolina police dog Bo of the Gastonia Police Department has won the prestigious American Humane Hero Dog Awards. Alongside his handler Sgt. David Rowland, the 18-month-old very good boy has rescued lives since starting his career in October 2023, including locating both a missing elderly dementia patient and an 11-year-old child with autism.
In January, Bo used his keen sniffing abilities to track down robbery suspects even amid heavy scent contamination. He also located a 7-year-old child who had been taken at knifepoint in May.
"We are so excited to name Bo as American Humane’s latest Hero Dog, a distinction that is well-deserved for him and his handler David," American Humane President and CEO Robin Ganzert said in a news release. "The duo has worked tirelessly and saved many lives thanks to Bo’s courage and top-notch scent tracking skills. It’s these types of incredible stories about perseverance and dedication that this award aims to spotlight."
Bo will be properly praised at the 14th Annual American Humane Hero Dog Awards and Gala in Palm Beach, Florida on Jan. 8 alongside the four other honorary heroic canines.
Meet the other finalists:Explosives-detection dog, service dog, among other top dogs
What are the American Humane Hero Dog Awards?
The American Humane Hero Dog Awards is an annual, nationwide competition that recognizes "America’s standout dogs," described as "often ordinary dogs who do extraordinary things, whether it’s saving lives on the battlefield, lending sight or hearing to a human companion, or helping people achieve their goals," American Humane says on its website.
Hundreds of inspiring dogs were nominated from across the country for the 14th edition of the competition that kicked off earlier this year in June. Five semi-finalists in each of the five categories were short-listed and "chosen to meet the American public," who then voted for their favorite four-legged hero in five different categories including:
- Law Enforcement and First Responder Dogs
- Service and Guide or Hearing Dogs
- Therapy Dogs
- Military Dogs
- Emerging Hero and Shelter Dogs
“This is one of the most special and inspiring groups yet," president of American Humane, Robin Ganzert, said in an exclusive statement to USA TODAY last month. "All five of these courageous canines epitomize the resiliency, selflessness, and unconditional love that we are looking for in America’s next top dog.
"We are proud to shine a spotlight on these unsung heroes who are too often overlooked," she added.
What to know about Bo
- Age: 18 months
- Breed: Bloodhound (male)
- Handler: Gastonia Police Department Sergeant David Rowland
- Location: Gastonia, North Carolina
- Hero Dog Awards Category: Law Enforcement & First Response
K-9 Bo was the first bloodhound to join the Gastonia Police Department in North Carolina. Bo began his career in law enforcement in 2023 when he was hand-picked from a litter of puppies and has been on the job since he was only 8 months old, "closing cases, solving crimes, and saving lives."
Contrary to his more ferocious peers on the department's K-9 team, Bo is gentle and offers comfort to the people he tracks down. During his first mission, Bo was able to successfully track down a missing 11-year-old child with autism and calm down the distressed boy as they waited for help to arrive.
Since then, Bo has helped locate several lost senior citizens, a 7-year-old kidnapping victim, and "even chased down a four-hour-old scent trail to find robbery suspects."
Fun fact: Bo is terrified of Halloween decorations, his handler Sgt. David Rowland said.
veryGood! (693)
Related
- The Best Stocking Stuffers Under $25
- Pennsylvania governor says millions will go to help train workers for infrastructure projects
- Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson says GOP talk of potential Trump pardon is inappropriate
- Biden has decided to keep Space Command in Colorado, rejecting move to Alabama, officials tell AP
- Taylor Swift makes surprise visit to Kansas City children’s hospital
- Super Bowl Champion Bruce Collie's 30-Year-Old Daughter Killed in Wisconsin Plane Crash
- Cycling Star Magnus White Dead at 17 After Being Struck By Car During Bike Ride
- Lady Gaga honors Tony Bennett in touching post after death: 'Will miss my friend forever'
- Megan Fox's ex Brian Austin Green tells Machine Gun Kelly to 'grow up'
- Haiti confronts challenges, solutions amid government instability
Ranking
- Taylor Swift makes surprise visit to Kansas City children’s hospital
- Announcing the 2023 Student Podcast Challenge Honorable Mentions
- As work begins on the largest US dam removal project, tribes look to a future of growth
- Cougar attacks 8-year-old, leading to closures in Washington’s Olympic National Park
- Spooky or not? Some Choa Chu Kang residents say community garden resembles cemetery
- Blake Lively Cheekily Clarifies Her Trainer Is Not the Father of Her and Ryan Reynolds’ 4 Kids
- Pennsylvania governor says millions will go to help train workers for infrastructure projects
- Investigators use an unlikely clue to bring young mom's killer to justice
Recommendation
NFL Week 15 picks straight up and against spread: Bills, Lions put No. 1 seed hopes on line
Pee-wee Herman creator Paul Reubens dies at 70
CNN business correspondent, 'Early Start' anchor Christine Romans exits network after 24 years
First American nuclear reactor built from scratch in decades enters commercial operation in Georgia
Which apps offer encrypted messaging? How to switch and what to know after feds’ warning
Britney Spears' Mother-in-Law Hospitalized After Major Accident
Millions in Haiti starve as food, blocked by gangs, rots on the ground
Churchill Downs to improve track maintenance, veterinary resources for fall meet after horse deaths