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Janice Gray used funds from the Good Neighbor Community Fund to support the National Civil Rights Museum in her community of Memphis, Tennessee.

Peacock, NBC's streaming service, is highlighting her support as part of its Black Voices library of content. In a video Janice shares her views on the importance of the museum and expresses the State Farm commitment to making a difference.

Earlier this year, State Farm empowered agents to address the greatest needs in their community through the Good Neighbor Community Fund.

Peacock, NBC's streaming service, is highlighting her support as part of its Black Voices library of content. In a video Janice shares her views on the importance of the museum and expresses the State Farm commitment to making a difference.

Earlier this year, State Farm empowered agents to address the greatest needs in their community through the Good Neighbor Community Fund.

“Current State Farm driving data and claims experience show a considerable decline in miles driven and fewer accidents,” said Dan Krause, Senior Vice President. “As a result, we’re looking for ways to continue supporting our Tennessee customers while we monitor and adjust to trends.”

In addition to the auto rate reduction, the discount for participating in Drive Safe & Save™ is increasing to 10%, and empowers drivers to save more on their auto premiums through driving behaviors.

Customer rate reductions will vary based on their individual renewals. Customers are encouraged to visit with their State Farm agent about individual policies, coverage and any opportunities for discounts, including Drive Safe & Save.

Our hearts go out to all those impacted – especially family and friends of those who lost their lives. Safety is paramount as residents assess damage and begin the recovery process.

Start the claim process as soon as possible.

Take steps to prevent further damage as soon as it is safe to do so. There are four ways to start the claim process:

1. Online at www.statefarm.com/claims
2. Use the State Farm Mobile App
3. Call 1-800-SFCLAIM
4. Contact your State Farm Agent

Hundreds of customers have already filed claims. Our local agents and call center claim specialists are already assisting customers with their most immediate needs, like additional living expenses (ALE). The State Farm Claims Catastrophe Response Team is being deployed to the most heavily impacted areas to assist in the recovery. This additional personnel includes three drone teams.

Customers with damage should:

• Inspect your property. Document damage with pictures to share with your claims specialist.
• Make temporary repairs to prevent further damage. Take pictures and save receipts for materials purchased.
• Exercise caution when selecting a contractor. Storm recovery can be emotionally and physically draining. Don’t make a quick, emotional decision without recommendations. Obtain detailed written estimates and multiple bids.

Additional insurance considerations and storm recovery tips:

Tree removal can be very expensive right now because resources are spread thin. As a reminder, insurance only pays to remove trees impacting your home, building, fences or other structures. Coverage limits may apply to debris removal coverage.

Be wary of those who might try to capitalize on the storm.

• Ask for recommendations
• Beware of door-to-door solicited repairs
• Get multiple written estimates
• Always have a written, detailed estimate
• Don’t pay up front. Always inspect the completed work before payment.
• If making repairs, consider upgraded roofing materials (upgrades could result in insurance premium discounts).

If you have experienced a power outage:

• Never use candles for emergency lighting, use flashlights.
• Disconnect any appliances, equipment or electronics that were on when the power went out. When power comes back on, it may come back with momentary “surges” or “spikes”. This can damage computers, air conditioners, refrigerators, etc. Leave one light on so you know when the power returns.
• Check to see if your homeowners policy covers damages resulting from outages. Subject to the deductible, your policy may cover spoiled food and other damages.
• Use generators safely. If you have a portable generator, only run it outdoors with adequate ventilation. Never use a generator indoors or in attached garages. The exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide, which can be deadly if inhaled.

The effective date for new and renewal business is Sept. 30. The previous rate change in Tennessee was effective in April 2019. Combined, the two auto rate decreases will save Tennessee customers $68.5 million.

“State Farm is very pleased to be able to offer another auto rate decrease in Tennessee” said State Farm Senior Vice President Dan Krause. “Improving expenses and losses were important factors, among many, that supported our decision to make this rate change."

Overall changes in premiums for individual motorists will vary. Rates depend on a customer’s policy and chosen coverage. Customers can contact their local State Farm agent to discuss their individual situation. Additional opportunities for discounts may apply.

A rate decrease combined with discounts offers exceptional long-term value to State Farm customers.

Every interaction in the Neighborhood of Good® will be converted into currency. At the end of festival season, State Farm will give up to $500,000 to Notes for Notes. The nonprofit organization designs, equips, and staffs after-school recording studios inside Boys & Girls Clubs. The full recording facilities feature professional instruments, DJ gear and digital music workstations. Youth can explore, create, and record music for free.

Four individual structures house the activities within the Neighborhood of Good. They are the:

• Record Store - Just as fans listen to support their favorite artists, listening to songs by Notes for Notes artists will support music education. Each track listened to will generate a gift to the larger fund.
• Dance Hall - Fans can join in a silent disco for good by dancing on a reactive LED dance floor. The silent disco headset tracks how long fans interact, turning time into contributions.

• Music Venue - Playing along on a custom drum set tests fans' speed and agility. Striking the lit drums turns fans into world-class performers, while simultaneously giving back.

• Recording Studio - The infinity room immerses fans in tracks and accompanying visuals. It's a multi-sensory, recording booth experience. Each song sung generates a gift to the larger fund.

The Neighborhood of Good experience debuted at Stagecoach in April. It will also be at:

Governors Ball, New York, N.Y., May 31 - June 2

Bonnaroo, Manchester, Tenn., June 13-16

Lake Shake, Northerly Island, (Chicago), Ill., June 21-23

Lollapalooza, Chicago, Aug. 1-4

Music Midtown, Atlanta, Sept. 14-15

Austin City Limits, Austin, Texas, Oct. 4-6 and 11-13

VooDoo Music + Arts Experience, New Orleans, Oct. 25-27

Hover over the + in the interactive image below for festival safety tips.

The effective date for new and renewal business is April 8. The previous rate changes in Tennessee were a decrease of 2 percent in November 2018 and 3 percent in July 2018. Combined, the three auto rate decreases will save Tennessee customers $87.2 million.

“State Farm is very pleased to be able to offer another auto rate decrease in Tennessee” said State Farm Senior Vice President Dan Krause. “Improving expenses and losses were important factors, among many, that supported our decision to make this rate change."

Overall changes in premiums for individual motorists will vary. Rates depend on a customer’s policy and chosen coverage. Customers can contact their local State Farm agent to discuss their individual situation. Additional opportunities for discounts may apply.

A rate decrease combined with discounts offers exceptional long-term value to State Farm customers.

Festival-goers can participate in a real life “neighborhood of good" via four on-site "cause houses" at these music festivals:

• Forecastle: July 13-15 – Louisville, Ky.
• Lollapalooza: August 2-5 – Chicago, Ill.
• Music Midtown: September 15-16 – Atlanta, Ga.
• Austin City Limits: October 5-7 and October 12-14 -- Austin, Texas
• Previous engagements included: Governors Ball (New York City), Bonnaroo (Tenn.) and Lake Shake (Chicago).

In the Here To Help House music fans can learn more about NeighborhoodOfGood.com and receive fun, helpful giveaways to enhance their festival experience (like branded cell phone fans, sunscreen, sunglasses, and bandanas). The other three houses in the neighborhood each feature a quick, micro-volunteerism activity that encourages music fans to take action and complete an act of good to benefit local community organizations.

“State Farm is excited to bring our Neighborhood of Good to music festivals this year,” said Mandy Garner Laux, Marketing Manager. “We encourage festival-goers to do good neighborly acts in our cause houses and learn how they can continue to turn caring into doing in their own neighborhoods.”

The music festivals' Neighborhood of Good cause houses offer these experiences:

State Farm Here to Help House - Fans can get free festival gear, access Wi-Fi, and relax in the shade on lounge furniture.

Here to Help Music Education House - Participants will build and decorate ukuleles from kits. Instruments will then be donated to local underserved school music education programs.

Here to Help Hunger House - Participants will assemble food kits of non-perishable items. The food kits will be donated to local food banks which will distribute them to households or individuals in need.

Here to Help at Risk Youth - Participants will write encouraging messages of hope for at-risk youth. Note cards will be placed in pre-packed hygiene supply kits to be donated to local nonprofits. Upon completion, participants can climb into a tattoo chair and receive a temporary tattoo.

Hover over the icons on the interactive image below for Music Festival tips.

“The company’s current financial strength is allowing us to pass along a rate reduction to our Tennessee customers," said State Farm Senior Vice President Dan Krause. “We continually evaluate how we can best serve our customers and are very pleased to be able to offer this rate decrease in Tennessee.”

Overall changes in premiums for individual motorists will vary depending on the specific details of an individual customer’s policy and chosen coverages. The effective date for new and renewal business is July 16, 2018 . Tennessee customers with questions can contact their local State Farm agent to discuss their individual situation.

In addition to this rate reduction, State Farm agents are able to review with new and existing customers the many opportunities for additional discounts that may apply to an individual’s unique circumstances. A rate decrease combined with discounts offers an exceptional long-term value to State Farm customers.

Meet Pam Sandlin, San’s soon-to-be older and wiser friend. “I didn’t know what to expect,” Pam smiled. “Was I nervous? Yes.    But I couldn’t wait to meet her.”

Little did Pam or San know, their after school introduction would be the start of an incredible story…

…one that began after each decided to join Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee.

Flashback to 2009:

“The organization did a great job matching us,” said Pam. “Early in the relationship, we discovered we had lots in common. We’re both taller than average, love basketball, we’re close to our grandmothers, and love our families.” 

Pam learned about Big Brothers Big Sisters through her employer, State Farm.

“I was an empty nester looking for a meaningful way to give back to my community. When State Farm shared the opportunity to get involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS), it was perfect. I love children and thought, ‘this is my chance to be a Big Sister!’”

During their first encounter at San’s elementary school, the pair instantly clicked. Soon, they were meeting every week to laugh, joke, share stories and dreams. “I always looked forward to seeing Pam because I knew we’d have a great time,” said San. “We’d go to the movies, eat at restaurants, watch basketball games – and we even went whitewater rafting! She makes life a happy adventure.”

A Friendship in Full Bloom

San says Pam saw her strengths and encouraged her to be the best person she could be. “My favorite memory is a special camping trip we took together. The theme of the weekend was, Face your Fears. I have a fear of heights. But Pam made sure I didn’t miss out on the fun. With her encouragement, I finished an obstacle course, climbed mountains, walked a tight rope and even zip-lined! Pam is my rock.”

But the Big Sister encouragement didn’t stop there.

“In addition to our fun, I often talked to San about her future,” said Pam. “Wherever we’d go, we’d strike up conversations about the careers of people we came in contact with. I reminded her how important a high school diploma is - and we talked about college a lot.”

A New Journey

As the years passed, Pam watched San grow from an introverted fourth-grader into a confident, strong young woman. Elementary school came and went, then junior high, then the final years of high school arrived.

“Pam toured colleges with my mother and me,” said San. “My favorite journey was our three-day trip to Louisiana State University. It was the longest amount of time we’d spent together and we grew even closer.” 

In May of 2017, San graduated high school. Pam was there to celebrate her success. “Oh my goodness, I’m so proud of her,” said Pam. “She’s such a mature young lady and a leader among her peers. She told me about times when things got tough in school, yet she was the source of comfort for other students. They considered her honest and trustworthy.”

In the fall of 2017 San began her freshman year at Volunteer State Community College, with plans to pursue a career in psychology. “I always wanted to help people the way Pam has helped me,” San explained. “In sixth grade I received high marks on a career test and since then have always wanted to be a doctor, nurse or psychologist.”

While Pam and San’s formal mentoring ended when San graduated high school, their relationship has not stopped. “I’ve enjoyed watching her grow, excel and flourish,” said Pam. "She’s really a strong young woman and I want to continue helping her in any way I can. I’m so grateful to have Pam in my life. She’s encouraged me in whatever I wanted to do and has always been there for me.”

More than friends…

“After almost a decade of friendship, we’re sisters at heart,” smiled San. “We plan to remain in each other’s lives forever,” said Pam.

To learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters, or to become a volunteer, click here.

The students were competing in the 25th annual, regional Invention Convention. There was excited chatter from the creative and bright students. Their goal was to invent items to “make life easier” or a new game.

They proudly described their 341 inventions for the judges. Each was hoping to win a ribbon or trophy. Or best of all, advance to the National Invention Convention in Washington, D.C.

Dr. Tracey Huddleston is the woman behind this annual competition. She is an elementary education professor at MTSU. The program is her public service project for the university. It all began back in 1993 as a tribute to her mother, Tru Radcliff. Mrs. Radcliff was a long-time 5th grade teacher.

Long before STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) became popular, both women understood the importance of creativity and problem-solving skills.

In the first year, only 56 students and 42 inventions competed. Since then, thousands of students have benefited from the experience during the past 25 years, 20 of which have been supported by State Farm™.

"Participating in the Invention Convention provides a meaningful opportunity for students. They must apply many academic and practical skills," says Dr. Huddleston. "In addition to creating and designing, they must communicate and present clearly to the judges in order to win an award."

The anticipation of hearing the judges' final decisions builds as the morning wears on. Each year, guest speakers help ease the wait for the students, their teachers and parents.

Three singers and songwriters spoke this year (the competition took place in February 2017). In past years, astronauts, athletes, historians, inventors, and scientists have spoken to the crowds.

“The students who participate in the annual Invention Convention are truly an inspiration," Huddleston says. "Their excitement and passion for thinking and learning is a joy to watch – they are our future!”

Jasmine Gray, "Jaz", had such a childhood. She was born with a rare facial defect called Arteriovenous Malformation. She spent many days and nights in hospitals as a child in Memphis, Tennessee. She has had nearly 40 surgeries in her young life. She wanted to do something to help kids in similar circumstances.

In 2006, when Jaz was only 17, she created Jaz’s Jammies. The non-profit organization is an extension of her Girl Scout Gold Award project. Since that time, the organization has collected more than 5,000 pairs of new pajamas to give to children in need.

"Something as simple as a pair of pajamas can brighten a child’s day. That one brightened day can lead to a brightened week, and that brightened week can lead to a hopeful future,” Jasmine says.

Her group began by donating pajamas to hospitals in Memphis and Little Rock, Arkansas. Now 27, Jaz is a documentary film producer living in Los Angeles. She’s expanded the effort to help children in Nashville and Los Angeles, and expanded its mission. The organization now gives pajamas to some of the more than 1,000,000 children who are homeless on any given night.

Even with Jaz in LA, the organization's roots remain strong. Her mom, State Farm agent Janice Gray, and dad, Eddie, have become the voice for Jaz' Jammies in her hometown.

"It is so heart-warming to see the smiles on the faces of children when they receive their new pajamas,” says Janice.

Janice’s sorority sisters are among those supporting the ongoing “jammie drives". Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated Phi Lambda Omega Chapter donated $1000 to Jaz's Jammies Incorporated. In addition to donating, they delivered new pajamas to sick children at St. Jude and Le Bonheur Children's Hospitals.

Learn how you can help by visiting jazsjammies.org.

Mouse over the Here to Help and Pet Evacuation images for interactive links and more info.

The special highlights Usher and State Farm's efforts to revive music and arts education in Chattanooga and surrounding communities by benefitting The Nancy Lackey Community Education Fund, named for Usher's late grandmother. The fund's first initiative is to give grants and other support to schools and local community nonprofits to introduce music and art back into many of those schools and after-school programs where there is real need. In addition, the special features a performance by Usher held at his childhood middle school, Dalewood. Members of the community were surprised with access to the concert after donating art supplies to support the initiative.

Neighborhood Sessions featuring Usher marks the fourth special in the Neighborhood Sessions series, which gives the biggest names in music a chance to thank the neighbors who helped make them who they are today, and who continue to help life go right for members of their communities every day. The special is slated to premiere on TNT Wednesday, Nov. 23, at 10 p.m. (ET/PT).

The concert at the center of Usher's Neighborhood Sessions special features some of his biggest hits performed on a specially constructed stage on the football field at Dalewood Middle School, where Usher attended school. Throughout the special, Usher addresses the importance of music and arts education for childhood development and introduces viewers to various people in Chattanooga who are impacting the community by donating their time and talent. He also introduces some of the neighbors who do their part to help others and bring positive change to the community, proving that Good Neighbors Help Life Go Right™.

Launched by State Farm with the assistance of NYC-based advertising agency Translation, Neighborhood Sessions is a series that gives artists the opportunity to express their gratitude and give back to the communities that made them great. Each Neighborhood Session is designed to be as distinctive as the community it represents, leveraging local State Farm agents to identify and support vital local causes.

In teaming up with State Farm, Turner Ignite's Content Partnerships team developed a rich campaign that spans linear, digital and social platforms, as well as many of the Turner networks. To extend the series objective, Turner collaborated with State Farm to create custom videos that provide an additional look at Usher's return to Chattanooga, visiting the places that were meaningful to him as a young child, and his championing of arts programs in the community that helped shape him. This content will run in isolated commercial pods through Turner Native Plus in primetime programming across TNT, as well as Turner's Adult Swim, TBS, truTV and Turner Sports. On social media, additional content will be distributed to a targeted audience from TNT social handles through Turner's social optimization capability, Launchpad.

The Neighborhood Sessions series of specials began in February 2015 with megastar Jennifer Lopez performing in her hometown of the Bronx. It was followed in October by a special featuring music superstar Toby Keith, whose concert was taped in his hometown of Moore, Okla. This past September, Neighborhood Sessions featured Dave Matthews Band onstage in their hometown of Charlottesville, Va. for a special 25th anniversary concert.

Usher Bio

Challenging himself creatively and testing musical boundaries are characteristics that have defined Usher's career since he was first discovered twenty years ago on Star Search. Usher has been ranked by the Recording Industry Assn. of America as one of the best-selling artists in American music history, having sold more than 65 million albums worldwide. He has won numerous awards, including eight Grammys, and was named the #1 Hot 100 artist of the 2000s decade. Billboard also named him the second most successful artist of the 2000s decade, with his career-propelling 2004 album Confessions being ranked as the top solo album of the decade. Usher has attained nine Hot 100 #1 hits (all as a lead artist) and 18 Hot 100 Top 10 singles.

This year is proving to be a big one for Usher not only in music but also in film and his philanthropic endeavors. Musically, Usher released his much-anticipated eighth studio album, entitled Hard II Love, which has already spawned his 15th #1 single with the song "No Limit." In film, Usher garnered critical acclaimed for his role as boxer Sugar Ray Leonard in Hands of Stone, the biopic of boxer Roberto Duran in which he co-starred opposite Robert DeNiro and Edgar Ramirez.

In the past few years, Usher completed his world tour entitled "The UR Experience." In addition, he completed two seasons as a coach on NBC's Emmy®-winning hit The Voice, where he proved his top-notch coaching ability by becoming the champion of season six.

Realizing that with success comes responsibility, Usher has also proven to be a major philanthropic force. Founded in 1999, his New Look Foundation empowers youth from impoverished communities to become leaders. In recognition of his accomplishments, Usher has been honored by the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, the Trumpet Foundation, Do Something, the NAACP and as the 2010 Ford Freedom Award Scholar. Usher's business ventures include a best-selling line of fragrances and a partnership with RBMG (Raymond Braun Media Group).

About The Nancy Lackey Community Education Fund

The first education initiative supports art and music in Chattanooga and Hamilton County's elementary schools by providing for a three-year period (i) a full-time art teacher, supplies, and community programs at Calvin Donaldson Environmental Science Academy, (ii) part-time teaching artists residencies for a limited engagement in up to 30 other elementary schools, (iii) after school programs in local recreational centers and (iv) a matching grant to the high school student led arts council. Partnering with Usher is Hamilton County Department of Education, together with the principal and team at Calvin Donaldson, as well as local nonprofits such as ArtsBuild, and Jazzanooga who created these programs with the local community. In addition, ReGenerate, a student lead organization and Dalewood, Usher’s middle school, were each awarded a three year grant to support their work in the arts. Cause Entertainment Agency, Entertain Impact, advised Usher on this initiative's creation and implementation, working closely with Usher team member Julie Sanders. The grants are being administered by The Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga.

What do you do when you are feeling blessed by the career you chose? Seven State Farm agents in Nashville, Tennessee, chose to give back to the community where they live and work. They created their own 501©(3) non-profit called “Nashville Community Partners”.

“Our purpose is to promote and solicit donations to support the exceptional work of people and organizations which impact our community in profound ways,” says group leader Valinda Burks. “As independent business owners, we recognize the importance and the power of involvement.”

One of their most rewarding events is the annual Santa Store. During a two-hour party each December, they provide toys and other gifts to children ages 0-12 from 100 families.

The group publicizes the Santa Store via television spots asking for nominations of worthy recipients.

Darnell Clay explains, “As agents, we hear of families that are in need. The Santa Store is our way to try to help them and others that are dear to them.”

“Parents and children watch Christmas movies, have treats, take photos with Santa, and select free gifts in the Santa Store,” says participating agent Terry W. Jones.

According to agent Dejuan Buford, “The best part of the day for me is I get to play Santa. It’s such an awesome feeling to see the kids’ faces when they get to see Santa and take a picture. It makes me feel good and takes me back to my own childhood. Some of the parents are really happy to see Santa too!”

“This non-profit group has made a positive impact in the Nashville community since 2010. I’m excited to be a part of it and hope to bring fresh ideas and enthusiasm as we move forward into the new year,” said Darian Horne, the newest member of the group.

Current members of the group are State Farm agents Valinda Burks, Dejuan Buford, Darnell Clay, Darian Horne, Terry W. Jones, Leonard E. Jordan, and Bryson McCarley.

When arson dog Bailey started going rogue, the first thought that went through Travis Kincaid’s mind was one of panic.

Kincaid, a Fire Captain and investigator in Knoxville, Tenn., had arrived at the scene of a house fire in East Knoxville with Bailey, a yellow Labrador retriever and trained arson dog.

Their initial investigation through the burned out living room had been promising. But now, with media cameras trained on her, Bailey wasn’t acting normally. Her head was turned away from Kincaid. She was straining at the leash and disobeying commands - her attention was focused somewhere else.

And as she finally broke free of the leash, she took off running, disappearing behind the house.

Kincaid did the only thing he could do.

He took off after her.

The Arson Dog Program

Bailey joined the State Farm Arson Dog program after training to be a service dog. Like many of the Labrador retrievers in the program, Bailey proved too food motivated and active for service dog duty. But those same traits made her an outstanding candidate to become an arson dog, joining a program with a long pedigree.

”Over the past two decades, this program has trained more than 325 teams for placement with law enforcement across the U.S. and Canada,” said Heather Paul, the State Farm Arson Dog Program Coordinator. “We even put these teams in places where we don’t write insurance policies because they’re so beneficial for the community. Investigating arson is expensive for law enforcement and taxpayers, but where it may take humans weeks or even months to find evidence, an arson dog can find a fire accelerant in a matter of minutes.”

Kincaid and Bailey met at school - arson dog school. Bailey had already completed several months of training before she met Travis for the first time at the four-week long training academy in Maine. Now it was Travis who needed to learn to work with Bailey and trust her nose.

It may not have seemed like the training had been very successful when Bailey took off running. But when Kincaid rounded the corner after her, he saw Bailey sitting in knee-length grass, waiting for him next to a smoldering Molotov cocktail - an improvised explosive device often used in arson.

”I had been ready to fuss at her,” Kincaid said. “Instead, I ended up giving her a reward.”

But Bailey wasn’t done.

Going Beyond The Call Of Duty

When Bailey began to strain against the leash again, Kincaid listened to his partner. Even though Bailey had never been trained in tracking, she was itching to move.

Figuring that Bailey had already been right once, Kincaid followed as Bailey led him through one empty lot after another, across a road and through a parking lot. Bailey stopped occasionally as though she had found an accelerant and waited for her food reward. It made for slow going.

Their journey ended at a loud, crowded building - a converted bar and nightclub, packed with people. Too many people, in fact. And whoever had burned down that house was inside.

The investigation team immediately swung into action. A Knoxville police sergeant entered the club, looking for potential suspects. The fire marshal shut down the club due to overcrowding and ordered the building emptied.

And as the crowd dispersed, Bailey was there, waiting and sniffing their shoes until she sat down next to one man, identifying him as her “person of interest.””He began to start saying things like ‘that dog is so stupid, I don’t have any drugs on me,’ “Kincaid said. “And when I told him that Bailey wasn’t a drug dog, he’s an arson dog, the color just drained from his face and he asked for his lawyer.”

The suspect, a gang member, was convicted of arson and manufacturing an explosive device, and he is currently in prison.

More Than A Partner

As part of the arson dog program, Bailey is assigned to her handler for life. She’s become part of the family, especially for Landon, Kincaid’s 8-year-old son. Landon is a special needs child, and Bailey has bonded with him perhaps even more closely than she has with his father.

”She’s very protective of him,” Kincaid said. “She wakes us up to go check on him and won’t let us get back to sleep until we tell her it’s okay.”

”Bailey has given herself two jobs,” Paul added. “Serving the people of Knoxville and protecting Travis’ family.”

With a resume like that, it’s not surprising that Bailey is up for the Hero Dog Award from the American Humane Association. And she’s got a good chance at capturing the title.

”What makes Bailey so remarkable is her will to serve and do good deeds,” Paul said. “Like many dogs in our program, she wants to take that extra initiative and work as hard as she can because she loves her handler.”

Paul paused for a second.

”And she loves food.”