Sgt. Bo’s journey from stray to national icon isn’t just inspiring—it’s life-changing. Once a homeless dog wandering the streets of Nashville, Bo’s path transformed when he was rescued and paired with retired Police Officer Faye Okert, becoming a therapy dog with the Metro Nashville Police Department. In that role, Bo quietly brought calm, reassurance, and healing to those in moments of unimaginable fear.
On March 27th, 2023, tragedy struck at the Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee. Three students and three adults were killed. Within an hour of the attack, students and staff were on buses headed to a reunification site. On those buses was Sgt. Bo, alongside Officer Faye. Bo laid with the children. They laid on him. And they didn’t speak about the shooting; they spoke about Bo. That was the point. He gave them something to hold onto that wasn’t fear.
Throughout his service, Bo’s gentle presence became legendary. He calmed children struggling with cancer, comforted staff through bomb threats, and reached people who would never have approached a police officer—but would kneel without hesitation to pet him. Bo didn’t bark commands or demand attention; he quietly changed hearts, one touch at a time. His calm spirit became a lifeline for people navigating trauma, grief, and fear.
Then, unexpectedly, a misstep altered everything. No one knows exactly how it happened, but Bo tore his ACL. Surgery was performed, but for seven long weeks, he was denied the rehabilitation he desperately needed to walk again, despite Faye’s urgent pleas. By the time rehabilitation began, the injury had worsened, and the department deemed him a financial liability. More surgeries would be needed, and after just two years on the job, Sgt. Bo was retired—and the entire therapy dog program was shut down.
Faye adopted Bo, ensuring that his retirement would be filled with love and care. Sgt. Bo’s heroism, however, could not be dimmed. In 2025, he was crowned the winner of the 15th Annual American Humane Hero Dog Award on the TODAY show, a recognition that celebrated not just his bravery but the profound emotional support he provided during moments of crisis.
From comforting survivors after the Covenant School tragedy to touching countless lives in hospitals, schools, and communities, Bo’s story reflects the extraordinary power of rescue animals. “Sgt. Bo’s journey,” Faye says, “is a testament to how compassion and courage don’t always bark loud—they quietly soothe the soul.” His life demonstrates the critical role therapy dogs play in trauma-informed care, showing that healing often comes in the form of a warm body, a gentle nuzzle, and unconditional love.
Now retired, Sgt. Bo enjoys the comfort and security of Faye’s home, leaving behind a legacy of hope, courage, and unwavering devotion. From stray to national hero, his story is more than inspiring—it is a reminder of the life-changing bond between humans and animals, the resilience found in unexpected places, and the quiet heroes who mend hearts one paw at a time.