Virginia State Police Welcome Vader, New Canine Partner for Officer Wellness

The Virginia State Police have welcomed a new four-legged team member dedicated to supporting the health and resilience of Virginia’s law enforcement community. Vader, a specially trained Labrador retriever, is now part of the Department’s Wellness Program, working alongside the Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) team. His mission: to help reduce stress and anxiety, particularly after traumatic incidents.

Police officers face trauma exposure at far higher rates than the general public, making wellness initiatives like this essential. Vader is a “facility dog,” trained not for patrol or detection, but to provide calm, comfort, and emotional support in challenging moments. He will join officers during stress debriefings, peer support sessions, and other wellness-related programs, offering a presence that research shows can lower anxiety and foster more open conversations.

Vader comes to the Virginia State Police through Mutts With A Mission, a Virginia Beach-based nonprofit accredited by Assistance Dogs International. The organization specializes in training dogs for veterans, first responders, and others who benefit from their unique skills. Over the past two years, Vader completed extensive training and passed rigorous public access and skills testing, making him fully certified to work in high-stress settings.

According to trainers, Vader was carefully chosen for his calm temperament, attentiveness, and ability to adapt—qualities that make him a natural fit for his new role. By integrating him into the CISM team, the Virginia State Police are expanding their commitment to officer wellness and resilience, ensuring that those who protect the public also have tools in place to safeguard their own well-being.

(From a Release by the VA State Police)