Bo, a bloodhound with the Gastonia Police Department K-9 Unit, has been awarded the Americana Humane Society’s 14th annual Hero Dog Award.
“Bo is the first bloodhound I have worked,” said Sgt. David Rowland, Bo’s owner, handler, and sergeant of the K-9 division for the Gastonia Police Department. “Honestly, I think the best thing I like about him is his superpower, which is his nose. He amazes me every day that we go out here and work in our community, and I am just honored to be a part of it.”
Bo, an 18-month-old police dog, was selected as a semi-finalist earlier this year. The Carolina Journal had the opportunity to speak with his owner and handler, Sgt. David Rowland, sergeant of the K-9 division for the Gastonia Police Department, about Bo and his qualities and accomplishments.
“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,” Dr. Robin Ganzert, President
and CEO of American Humane said in a press release. “In a short time, Bo and David have done extraordinary work. As members of the Gastonia Police Department, the duo have 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.”
The gentle giant took home the coveted top prize, beating hundreds of courageous canines nationwide. With his partner, Rowland, Bo uses his super-powered nose to track down missing people, including children and seniors, and offers them comfort when they are found.
“I can bring Bo out and let people interact with them, especially children. I think it’s huge to let the community come and see him, pet him, and learn about him,” Rowland told the Carolina Journal earlier this year.
Bo’s journey began with the Gastonia Police Department in April 2023. Despite his youth, Bo’s heartwarming story shows exceptional bravery and dedication. After training, Bo began working as a Police K-9 in Oct 2023. He quickly proved his invaluable skills by locating an elderly dementia patient and an 11-year-old autistic child who had gone missing.
Bo also tracked down robbery suspects despite heavy scent contamination, leading to their capture. One cold Jan night in 2024, Bo showcased his extraordinary abilities by tracking a missing elderly patient over miles and through harsh conditions, ultimately finding them safe. One of his most touching moments came in May 2024 when he saw a 7-year-old child who had been taken at knifepoint.
His handlers say work brings joy and hope, making him a true hero and an inspiring presence in the Gastonia Police Department.
Bo and the four other finalists will be honored at the 14th Annual American Humane Hero Dog Awards and Gala in Palm Beach on Jan 8, an award show hosted by Christie Brinkley and Carson Kressley.
“Bo is such a young dog, especially in the working community and police and military work. You don’t really expect much from such young creatures in our line of work,” said Rowland. “But as soon as Bo hit the road, even at six months old, he has done so much already so quick for our community, and he has done some amazing things, from finding missing persons to helping bring justice to victims of crime, when normally, without his nose, that wouldn’t have come. We wouldn’t have found these missing persons, we wouldn’t have found these criminals, and that would have negatively impacted our community. I think he’s a true hero and deserving of recognition.”