Sgt. David Rowland and his K-9 partner Bo of the Gastonia Police Department got the VIP treatment in Raleigh on Wednesday, when Gov. Josh Stein inducted Rowland into the Order of the Long Leaf Pine and handed Bo a tongue-in-cheek "pup-preciation" certificate. The duo were recognized for lifesaving tracking work, including recent high-profile tracks that helped find a missing teen during January's snowstorm and led to arrests after a Mother's Day motorcycle theft. A small contingent from Gastonia made the trip to the North Carolina Executive Mansion for the ceremony and a tour.
In a Facebook reel, the Gastonia Police Department shared video of Gov. Stein greeting the officers, spotlighting Bo's tracking success and presenting the dog's framed "pup-preciation" certificate. The post notes that the Gastonia team also received a tour of the Executive Mansion and adds that the department is "proud of Sgt. Rowland and K-9 Bo for their professionalism, dedication, and compassion."
What The Long Leaf Pine Means
The Order of the Long Leaf Pine is awarded to North Carolinians whose service has had a significant impact on the state, according to the governor's office. It is widely described as one of North Carolina's most prestigious civilian honors, per historical references compiled by Wikipedia. Gov. Stein also proclaimed May 2026 as Law Enforcement Officers Month, providing the backdrop for several ceremonies recognizing first responders this spring.
Bo's Tracks And The K-9 Program
The department's reel credits Bo with "lifesaving tracking work," saying the dog located a missing teen in January during a snowstorm and later tracked two motorcycle-theft suspects on Mother's Day, according to the Gastonia Police Department. That run of successful tracks lines up with earlier incidents described in city and television reports, which recount Sgt. Rowland and Bo following suspects for roughly a mile through thick woods, leading to arrests. Prior examples are detailed in a release from the City of Gastonia and local coverage by WCCB.
A Moment For The Unit
For Gastonia officers, the Raleigh recognition doubled as a public shout-out for the department's K-9 unit, which works both search-and-rescue and suspect tracking cases across Gaston County. The department framed the award as a nod to a broader team effort that blends intensive training, on-the-ground field work and support from the community.
