Vader

In the tropical heat of North Queensland, one police dog’s courage became the stuff of legend.

For five years, Vader served alongside Sergeant David Raymond, tracking criminals, locating missing persons, and putting himself in harm’s way to protect his community. From high-stakes manhunts to heart-stopping rescues, Vader’s career was filled with extraordinary moments—some heroic, some humorous, and all deeply moving.

This gripping true story follows Vader from his early days at the Queensland Police Academy to the dangerous streets of Cairns, where he and Sgt Raymond worked as an unbreakable team. Whether chasing down violent offenders, finding people on the brink of death, or causing chaos with his notorious dislike of small animals, Vader was fearless, loyal, and relentless in his duty.

More than just a police dog, Vader left an incredible legacy. His story is a tribute to the bravery, dedication, and unbreakable bond between a handler and his four-legged partner.

"A fearless protector, a loyal partner—Vader’s legacy lives on."

About the Author

Sergeant David Raymond BM APM is one of Australia’s most experienced police dog handlers, with a distinguished 36-year career in policing—26 of those years spent working alongside canine partners on the front line. His extensive experience and leadership in the field of police dog operations have earned him national and international recognition.

David’s expertise has taken him beyond Australian borders, including recent deployments to Cambodia, where he was invited to assist in training detection and tactical dogs for the Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC). He has also been sought after for canine training programs in other overseas countries.

Throughout his career, David has been involved in numerous high-risk operations and critical incidents. His bravery and service have been recognised with a host of awards including Australian Bravery medal, QPS Valour Award, Australian Police medal, Commendation for Brave Conduct, Meritorious Service Medal and other prestigious commendations. David also played a key leadership role in developing detection dog programs across regional Queensland. Many of the high-stakes operations for which he received commendations were undertaken with his beloved police dog, Vader, by his side.

Sergeant Raymond’s career is a testament to courage, loyalty, and the extraordinary bond between handler and dog.