Bo the police K-9, who located child taken at knifepoint, wins Hero Dog Awards 2024

Some of America's most heroic dogs have been honored for their extraordinary service to humankind but one has arisen as a winner.

North Carolina police dog Bo of the Gastonia Police Department has won the prestigious American Humane Hero Dog Awards. Alongside his handler Sgt. David Rowland, the 18-month-old very good boy has rescued lives since starting his career in October 2023, including locating both a missing elderly dementia patient and an 11-year-old child with autism.

In January, Bo used his keen sniffing abilities to track down robbery suspects even amid heavy scent contamination. He also located a 7-year-old child who had been taken at knifepoint in May.

"We are so excited to name Bo as American Humane’s latest Hero Dog, a distinction that is well-deserved for him and his handler David," American Humane President and CEO Robin Ganzert said in a news release. "The duo has worked tirelessly and saved many lives thanks to Bo’s courage and top-notch scent tracking skills. It’s these types of incredible stories about perseverance and dedication that this award aims to spotlight."

Bo will be properly praised at the 14th Annual American Humane Hero Dog Awards and Gala in Palm Beach, Florida on Jan. 8 alongside the four other honorary heroic canines.

Meet the other finalists:Explosives-detection dog, service dog, among other top dogs

What are the American Humane Hero Dog Awards?

The American Humane Hero Dog Awards is an annual, nationwide competition that recognizes "America’s standout dogs," described as "often ordinary dogs who do extraordinary things, whether it’s saving lives on the battlefield, lending sight or hearing to a human companion, or helping people achieve their goals," American Humane says on its website.

Hundreds of inspiring dogs were nominated from across the country for the 14th edition of the competition that kicked off earlier this year in June. Five semi-finalists in each of the five categories were short-listed and "chosen to meet the American public," who then voted for their favorite four-legged hero in five different categories including:

• Law Enforcement and First Responder Dogs
• Service and Guide or Hearing Dogs
• Therapy Dogs
• Military Dogs
• Emerging Hero and Shelter Dogs

“This is one of the most special and inspiring groups yet," president of American Humane, Robin Ganzert, said in an exclusive statement to USA TODAY last month. "All five of these courageous canines epitomize the resiliency, selflessness, and unconditional love that we are looking for in America’s next top dog.

"We are proud to shine a spotlight on these unsung heroes who are too often overlooked," she added.

What to know about Bo

• Age: 18 months
• Breed: Bloodhound (male)
• Handler: Gastonia Police Department Sergeant David Rowland
• Location: Gastonia, North Carolina
• Hero Dog Awards Category: Law Enforcement & First Response

K-9 Bo was the first bloodhound to join the Gastonia Police Department in North Carolina. Bo began his career in law enforcement in 2023 when he was hand-picked from a litter of puppies and has been on the job since he was only 8 months old, "closing cases, solving crimes, and saving lives."

Contrary to his more ferocious peers on the department's K-9 team, Bo is gentle and offers comfort to the people he tracks down. During his first mission, Bo was able to successfully track down a missing 11-year-old child with autism and calm down the distressed boy as they waited for help to arrive.

Since then, Bo has helped locate several lost senior citizens, a 7-year-old kidnapping victim, and "even chased down a four-hour-old scent trail to find robbery suspects."

Fun fact: Bo is terrified of Halloween decorations, his handler Sgt. David Rowland said.