The American Humane Society has recognized a retired therapy dog from the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department for providing crucial support to students following The Covenant School shooting in 2023.

Sgt. Bo has been awarded the American Humane Hero Dog Award, exemplifying the qualities of service, resilience, and love, according to the organization’s president and CEO, Dr. Robin Ganzert, as reported by USA Today.

“His dedication to providing comfort and confidence to Nashville’s children beautifully illustrates the healing power of the human-animal bond,” Ganzert remarked. “Sgt. Bo’s journey from being a stray shelter pet to serving as a police therapy dog is truly inspirational. We are thrilled to honor this remarkable canine and name him America’s 2025 Hero Dog.”

Sgt. Bo will be officially celebrated next year, alongside four other distinguished dogs, at the 15th Annual American Humane Hero Dog Awards and Gala in Florida.

The tragic shooting occurred on March 27, 2023, at a private Christian school, resulting in the loss of three 9-year-old students and three teachers. The shooter, 28-year-old Audrey Hale, was fatally shot by two police officers. According to the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department’s final report, the shooting appeared to be motivated by a desire for notoriety, as no other motive was identified.

Bo’s handler, Faye Okert, told News Channel 5 Nashville in August that she and Bo would hop on school buses to meet with kids following the shooting.

“The supervisor asked us to get on each school bus with [Bo],” she said. “‘It’ll comfort the kids. Explain what’s going on.’ He went down the aisles. The kids were petting him. While the kids were waiting at the church to be reunited with their parents, he stayed with them. There’s a teacher who said she remembers him getting on the bus and how safe they felt.”

Bo and Faye are both retired after Bo tore his anterior cruciate ligament in January. But Faye continued to bring Bo back to The Covenant School every week as a special guest, and to other local schools each month.

“He’s my partner and my best friend,” Faye told News Channel 5 Nashville. “The impact that we have made together and he has made is phenomenal.”