“I want to be a positive example to others and stand up for what is right,” explains Bo Tackett (pictured with Freestone County Sheriff Jeremy Shipley) when talking about why he decided to Back the Blue and make Freestone County law enforcement officers blue key chains.

The small, and socially distanced, ceremony on Friday, October 30, 2020, started with words from Pastor Joe Reid of Cedar Stone Church out of Teague, Texas.

In his speech he drew a comparison from David who defeated the Giant, and Bo Tackett, a local nine year old who felt the need to fight against the worrisome visions he saw on TV in regards to police departments.

Tackett took his knowledge of plaiting and making custom paracord items and decided he would make Back the Blue keychains for all of the law enforcement county wide.

Bo told officers, “With every blister and every burn, trust me, there was a lot of them, it fully was made by hand with love and care for each of you,” while talking about making the keychains.

Bo is nine years old, ten on January 5, 2021, yet he found the time, energy and a way to make the world a better place.

The ceremony was attended by Freestone County Sheriff Shipley, Chief Deputy Mowrey, Sergeant Cordova, Fairfield Police Department Officer Scarrow, Game Warden Officer Pool, Game Warden Officer McMillen, Bo Tackett, Freestone County Sheriff Deputies Darby, Lieutenant Willis, Deputy Steele, Deputy Howerton, Deputy Weinmann, Deputy Leatherman, Deputy Fleming, State Park Police Officer Ware, and others.

During the ceremony he was presented with numerous gifts, including a Freestone County Sheriff’s patch, a rare gift indeed, a special coin, and various other items.

Visit Bo’s website, botackett.com/f/bo-tackett-backs-the-blue to check out his blog over the day and watch the two videos.

While visiting his website, make sure you look around. Bo is a fascinating child with a strong interest in whip cracking, making whips, and horseback riding.

If you are interested in learning how to Back the Blue, consider taking the pledge at gregabbott.com/backtheblue/