Recognition for Therapy Dog Post-Shooting
A retired therapy dog from the Nashville Metropolitan Police Department has received accolades from the Humane Society of the United States for his compassionate work with students following the tragic Covenant School shooting in 2023.
Sergeant Beau was honored with the American Humane Hero Dog Award. According to Dr. Robin Ganzert, the president and CEO of the organization, Beau exemplifies “what we want in a hero dog: service, resilience, and love,” as noted by USA Today.
“His work brings comfort and confidence to the children of Nashville and truly showcases the healing potential of the human-animal bond,” said Ganzert. “Sergeant Bo’s journey from a stray shelter dog to a dedicated therapy dog for his community should inspire us all. We’re proud to honor this modest superstar as America’s 2025 Hero Dog.”
Beau will receive formal recognition next year alongside four other exceptional dogs during the 15th Annual American Humane Hero Dog Awards and Gala in Florida.
The shooting event took place on March 27, 2023, at a private Christian school, resulting in the deaths of three nine-year-old students and three teachers. The gunman, 28-year-old Audrey Hale, was shot and killed by police. Authorities indicated they could not identify a clear motive for the attack, aside from a desire for notoriety, as stated in a final report.
Faye Okert, Beau’s handler, shared that they visited a school bus in August to comfort students after the tragic event. “The director asked us to have two people ride on each school bus. [Bo] would comfort the children,” she recalled. “He walked down the aisle, and the kids were petting him while waiting to be reunited with their parents at church. Some teachers commented how he made the bus rides feel safe.”
Both Beau and Faye retired in January after Beau suffered an ACL injury. Despite this, Faye still brings him to Coventor School every week and visits other local schools monthly as a special guest.
“He’s my partner and my best friend,” Faye expressed to News Channel 5 Nashville. “The impact we’ve made together has been incredible.”
