K9 Garbo – Carrying Michael's Legacy Forward

On August 4, 2022, Alexis and I had the honor of presenting the very first Michael Garbo Firearms Award to Officer Ben Ellsworth of the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department.

From that day forward, Ben became much more than the first recipient of this award — he became family. He regularly checked in on Alexis and me, attended graduations and other important milestones, and often shared what a profound honor it was to have received the Michael Garbo Firearms Award. His friendship, loyalty, and support have meant more to our family than words can truly express.

Ben's journey of service began in 2012 when he joined the United States Marine Corps directly out of high school. Stationed in Hawaii, he completed two deployments with 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines as a machine gunner. After leaving the Marines, Ben worked in the private security sector for several years — but he always felt called back to serving others and to his dream of becoming a K-9 handler.

In 2021, Ben was hired by the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, entering the department's pre-hire program where he was first introduced to the MNPD K-9 Unit. After graduating from the academy, he worked patrol and served on the Rapid Response Team (RSST). Through hard work and dedication, he was eventually selected to become a K-9 handler, achieving one of his greatest goals.

One of the greatest honors Alexis and I have ever experienced was when Ben approached them asking if he could name his K-9 after Michael. Although Ben never had the opportunity to know Michael personally, the gesture touched our hearts in a way that words cannot fully describe. It reflected the respect, admiration, and love he carries for Michael and for our family. Knowing that Michael's name will continue to serve and protect alongside Ben is something we will always cherish.

In January 2026, K9 Garbo was officially assigned to Ben. Over the next five months, the two trained together and became patrol certified as a K-9 team. On May 20, 2026, K9 Garbo officially graduated. Today, Officer Ben Ellsworth and K9 Garbo proudly serve the streets of Nashville as a patrol K-9 team, assisting patrol officers and specialized units in locating and apprehending wanted suspects. They also hope to pursue explosives detection training in the future and earn dual-purpose K-9 certification.

Seeing Michael's legacy continue in this way is truly indescribable. We are forever grateful to Ben for his friendship, his service, and for the incredible honor of carrying Michael's name forward through K9 Garbo. Michael's legacy continues to protect, serve, and inspire — and that is something our family will forever be proud of.