Entertainment
25 January, 2026
Ripping police dog tale
FORMER sergeant David Raymond’s K-9 partner, Vader, wasn’t just a police dog, he was an extraordinary law enforcement legend.
Mr Raymond, an ex-officer who spent 36 years with the Queensland Police Service, is sharing stories from his new book ‘Vader: A Police Dog Story’, revealing a bond built on trust, loyalty, and courage.
“I had five dogs all up and Vader was number three,” he said.
“He wasn’t a real dog to get close to. He just wanted to work. His whole life was work. He just got out there and got amongst it.”
Vader, named after the iconic Darth Vader because he came from a “V litter,” distinguished himself, not just with dedication, but with results.
He caught more offenders than any of Mr Raymond’s other K-9 partners and was present during some of the most intense operations of his handler’s career.
One harrowing mission involved tracking a murderer in Edmonton.
“The offender ran off into a backyard, and Vader’s ears went up, tail stood up, I knew someone was hiding. We threw a firearm down and called upon him. Vader started barking and the offender came out. That was a great job.”
But Vader’s story isn’t all action. The dog also had a mischievous side.
“We had a dog search at a house, but the harness wasn’t hooked up properly. Vader spied a chicken and went after it. You’ve never seen so many cops jump a fence so fast,” Mr Raymond said.
Vader’s heroics have been immortalised on the Queensland Police Dog Squad Memorial, a testament, not only to his bravery, but to the dedication of all K-9 units.
“Vader’s legacy shows the work police dogs and handlers do every single day,” Mr Raymond said.
Writing the book allowed Mr Raymond to revisit these memories.
“Every time I went on a good job, I’d jot down notes. Putting them into a book brought up great memories, sometimes funny, sometimes intense, but always unforgettable,” he said.
Beyond policing, Vader taught Mr Raymond lessons about loyalty and trust.
“Dogs give unconditional love and trust. They feed off your senses. If you’re apprehensive about going into a job, the dog knows it. They’re a reflection of the bond you share,” Mr Raymond said.
Reflecting on his career, the former sergeant said the following words of encouragement for those considering law enforcement: “The QPS has been a fantastic job for me. If you’re thinking about joining, don’t wait. It’s a challenging, accountable, but rewarding career.”
Vader may be gone, but his story and his impact remain. From thrilling pursuits to hilarious chicken chases, this remarkable police dog left a pawprint on Queensland policing that will never be forgotten.
Vader: A Police Dog Story is available at major Queensland bookstores and online via Booktopia, Amazon, and Big Sky Publishing.
