GASTONIA, N.C. (WBTV) – Following more than a dozen successful tracks finding criminals or missing people in less than a year, Gastonia Police’s K9 Officer Bo becomes a semifinalist in the national American Humane’s Hero Dog Award competition.
“I never thought we would amount to the success that we have had, especially in an urban environment. It’s a very hard tracking environment for any dog,” explained Bo’s handler Gastonia Police Department K9 Sergeant David Rowland.
Since Bo joined the Gastonia police force in October 2023, he has made headlines on both missing person and criminal cases.
“You’re there on the front lines,” explained Rowland. ‘You’re chasing after dangerous people. It’s exciting. It’s scary. But you know, when you when you find the person, whether it’s a missing person or, you know, somebody that’s committed a criminal offense, it’s the most rewarding feeling I’ve ever had.”
In January, Bo helped locate a missing man at the Food Lion in Cramerton in the middle of the night in 10 degree weather.
“It was amazing that the odor was that old, and Bo was able to follow it with ease,” said Rowland. “It was very impressive and it was a very proud moment, you know, for me to know that Bo can do that.”
In May, he helped track down a missing 7-year-old who had been abducted at knifepoint.
“Seven miles in an urban environment with vehicle traffic, other human contaminant–odor contamination, animals which were going through people’s backyards. That was pretty impressive,” explained Rowland who has worked with other K9s before.
Those successes and more led to Bo’s nomination for the “Hero Dog” Award.
“Bo was nominated, and out of hundreds of dogs,” explained Rowland. “I never thought we would amount to the success that we have had, especially in an urban environment. It’s a very hard tracking environment for any dog.”
Having made it to the semi-finals for that national award alongside four other dogs, Rowland said earning a badge on Bo’s vest would mean so much to their Department that has come to count on Bo.
“We’re public servants,” he said, “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for us and for me to get to, you know, take Bo out there, because they literally have a red carpet to put Bo on that red carpet and show his goofy ears off. I’d be, I’d be very proud.”
To vote for Bo the bloodhound once a day through October 9, visit the American Humane’s Hero Dog Award’s website.
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