Map of Heroes

Therapy dog who comforted Covenant School survivors wins national Hero Dog Award


Sgt. Bo, a mixed-breed dog rescued as a stray in Florida in 2022, was trained as a certified therapy dog with the Metro Nashville Police Department under handler Officer Faye Okert. Just three months into service, he was called to help after the Covenant School shooting — climbing onto buses, letting shaken students rest against him, and remaining a calming presence at reunions and school drop-offs until the last family left. In November 2025, American Humane named Sgt. Bo the winner of its 15th Annual Hero Dog Award in the Therapy Dog category. After retiring due to an ACL injury, he continues visiting Covenant weekly and other Nashville schools monthly.

Honored by Map of Heroes — recognized here from public reporting.

Added June 12, 2026

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