K-9 Bo

The Fulton Police Department’s newest officer brings a bite with his bark.

K-9 Bo completed training with his partner, Officer Will McCaulley, at the end of September. The duo now patrols around town together, responds to scenes where there are suspected drugs and tracks suspects who attempt to flee on foot.

They, along with the Callaway County Sheriff’s Office’s two K-9 units, will be the grand marshals of this year’s Fulton Christmas Parade that runs through downtown at 1 p.m. tomorrow.

Bo is a German Shepherd, originally born in Slovakia. After the Fulton City Council voted to restart the Police Department’s K-9 program earlier this year, Chief Bill Ladwig went to Pennsylvania to interview potential canine candidates. Bo stood out from the pack and proved eager to get to work.

“I wanted a good home and meaningful job. Fulton offered that,” Bo said.

While Bo spends most of his time riding in the back of he and Officer McCaulley’s vehicle; the two make sure to get out for walks occasionally. Since starting, Bo has helped with multiple drug arrests and recently tracked a burglary suspect who fled on foot back to his home. Bo said that his favorite part of the job is when he gets called out to sniff for drugs at a vehicle that’s been pulled over.

When he isn’t at work, Bo goes home with his partner. He has his own place in the garage. Due to his training, Bo doesn’t spend much time around other dogs or people besides those at work.

“It’s a ruff life of belly rubs and Scooby Snacks,” Bo said.