RICHMOND, VA — Vader, a specially trained Labrador retriever, has officially joined the Virginia State Police and will support the Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) team within the Department’s Wellness Program. Vader’s role is to help reduce stress and anxiety among individuals, particularly in the aftermath of a traumatic incident.
Studies show that police officers experience significantly higher rates of trauma exposure than the general population, reinforcing the need for wellness initiatives and supportive tools. Facility dogs, like Vader, are one way to help address these challenges and promote officer resilience.
Vader was donated to the Virginia State Police through Mutts With A Mission, a Virginia Beach-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization accredited by Assistance Dogs International (ADI). The organization specializes in training facility and service dogs to serve veterans, wounded warriors, and first responders.
Over the past two years, Vader has undergone extensive training, successfully completing both the ADI Public Access Test and Skills Test. These certifications enable him to work alongside the CISM team in critical incident stress debriefings, one-on-one peer sessions, and other environments where his presence can ease anxiety and help open the door to meaningful conversations.
Mutts with a Mission selected Vader specifically for the Virginia State Police due to his calm temperament, attentiveness, and ability to adapt quickly to a high-stress environment.
