For years, Sgt. Bo wore his badge with quiet dignity. A member of the Metro Nashville Police Department’s K-9 unit, he was known not only for his service but also for the calm comfort he brought to those around him. He was a working dog, yes—but more than that, he was a healer, a steady presence for children and adults facing the unimaginable.
That role became especially clear in 2023, in the aftermath of the Covenant School shooting. The tragedy left scars across Nashville, and in those heavy days, Sgt. Bo was there—walking softly into classrooms and counseling rooms, sitting beside children who couldn’t yet find words, and leaning gently into the hands of teachers and parents who needed comfort. His presence carried a message no words could: you are safe, you are not alone.
Even after his retirement from the Metro Nashville Police Department, Sgt. Bo has not stopped serving. Now part of Project K-9 Hero, he continues to visit survivors, staff, and families, reminding them that healing takes time but is never out of reach.
This year, his lifelong service and unwavering devotion are being recognized on a national stage. Sgt. Bo is a finalist for American Humane’s 2025 Therapy Dog of the Year, a prestigious honor that shines a light on the incredible role therapy dogs play in restoring hope and strength.
He follows in the paw prints of other Project K-9 Hero members who have received top honors in past years, carrying forward a proud legacy of courage, compassion, and service. For Nashville, for his department, and for the families who still feel his steady presence in their lives, Sgt. Bo is already a hero.
Now, the nation has a chance to see him the same way.
“Dogs like Bo remind us that healing doesn’t always come from words—it often comes from presence,” one supporter shared. “He represents the very best of what therapy dogs can do.”
As the votes come in and the spotlight shines, Sgt. Bo remains the same gentle soul he has always been—content to sit beside those in need, ready to lend comfort with a wag of his tail and a quiet, steady gaze.
Let’s cheer him on as he represents Nashville, Project K-9 Hero, and every therapy dog who makes a difference every single day. 💙🐾