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Vader tribute T-shirts will benefit state police K-9 program

Posted at 10:47 PM, Aug 03, 2018
and last updated 2018-08-06 09:08:47-04

RICHMOND, Va. -- T-shirt sales honoring the memory of the narcotics detection K-9 officer killed in the line of duty will benefit Virginia State Police’s K-9 program.

The $25 shirts, which are available in black, gray, blue and chestnut, are emblazoned with Vader’s name and photo in front of a shrouded American flag along with “EOW 8/01/2018.”  [Click here for the T-shirt website.]

"Vader and his handler were caught in crossfire on Interstate 95 in Sussex County," the post reads. "Vader was shot and killed during the pursuit."

The spouse of a state trooper who works with Vader's handler organized the T-shirt sale.

"My husband and I are very close with Vader's handler and the members of his team," she wrote. "I felt the need to do something for them; I know they all respected Vader and treasured him as an essential member of their team. They, along with all of the contributors of this fundraiser, are mourning his loss."

As of Friday night, 72 shirts had been sold and $760 had been raised. By Saturday night that number had jumped to 342 with more than $4400 raised.

"The goal was to sell 100 shirts, but we met that goal in the first six hours," she said. "Shirts will continue to be sold for the next two weeks. All of the funds will go directly to Virginia State Police's K-9 Program."

Shirts will be delivered about two weeks after the campaign ends or they can be picked up in Emporia, she said.

T-shirts honor Vader's memory

T-shirts honor Vader's memory

VSP Superintendent 'forever grateful' for Vader's sacrifice

Virginia State Police are planning a memorial service for Vader after the two-year-old Belgian Malinois was killed in a shootout with a murder suspect in rural Sussex County Wednesday morning.

"Our canine program is essential in so much of what we do as a Department to achieve our public safety mission," Virginia State Police Superintendent Col. Gary T. Settle said Thursday. "We are all deeply saddened by the loss of Vader and are forever grateful for his sacrifice and selfless service to the state police and the Commonwealth."

A state police blue-and-gray K-9 vehicle sits in tribute in front of the agency's administrative headquarters on Midlothian Turnpike.

The day before, the Belgian Malinoisis was carried beyond crime scene tape where his life ended in a farewell salute to the fallen state police narcotics detection canine.

"For our canine handlers, their dogs are more than just a partner on the job," Settle said. "They are their protectors, their constant companion and confidant on the road. Vader was family."

A police processional followed for the two-year-old K-9 whose end of watch came just seven months after graduating training.

New Haven Police Chief: 'Thoughts and prayers' for troopers 

During a news conference Thursday, New Haven Police Chief Anthony Campbell paused to thank Virginia State Police and showed a photo of Vader to honor his sacrifice.

“And one of the final things I would like to do is have [an officer] show the photo of K-9 Vader and ask for the thoughts and prayers of this community the citizens of this great state for the troopers in Virginia who have lost a member of their department.

Campbell said he plans to send officers to Vader's memorial to show "respect and support" for state police.

New Haven's Police Chief said officials are looking into using some of $30,000 reward offered by the U.S. Marshal’s Violent Fugitive Task Force and States Attorney’s office to help fund “Vadar's” funeral.

Vader as a K-9 trainee during a test search during training exercises at Virginia State Police Headquarters in November of 2017.

Vader as a K-9 trainee during a test search during training exercises at Virginia State Police Headquarters in November of 2017.

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