For Immediate Release

Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2019

Contact: Benjamin Paulin
Phone: 781-428-3299
Email: [email protected]

Holbrook Police Department’s First K-9, Bo, Retires After Six Years of Service

HOLBROOK — Chief William Smith announces that Holbrook Police K-9 Bo has retired from duty this month after over six years of service.

K-9 Bo served with the department since December 2012 and was partnered with Officer Joshua Knowlton. Officer Knowlton and K-9 Bo were Holbrook’s first K-9 team.

K-9 Bo is a German Shepherd who came to Holbrook Police from the Netherlands. He was trained by the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department K-9 Unit and the Massachusetts Department of Correction K-9 Unit. He graduated from a 16-week training course and began his duty in April 2013.

K-9 Bo was a certified patrol dog. He was trained in human search and tracking, evidence searching, criminal apprehension and crowd control.

K-9 Bo’s presence at active scenes with hostile suspects often worked to deescalate the situation.

In his time with the department, K-9 Bo assisted officers in arresting a suspect wanted for robbery and assault of a police officer. K-9 Bo also responded to many calls to assist neighboring police departments in need of a K-9. Notably, he helped Abington Police locate a suicidal female who was hiding near an apartment complex.

“We are very proud of Bo and his service to our department and community,” Chief Smith said. “He did excellent work in assisting and protecting our officers. We thank him for his service and wish him many happy years of retirement.”

Holbrook Police is looking into using grant money to purchase a new K-9, which can cost upwards of $8,000. The department currently has another K-9, Charlie, serving as a narcotics detection dog.

K-9 Bo was officially retired from all police work and duties at the beginning of the month and will live out his retirement with Officer Knowlton and his family.

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