top of page
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram

David 
Raymond

Thank you for taking the time to visit my About page! My name is David Raymond, and I have dedicated the last 36 years of my life to serving as a Queensland police officer, with a significant portion of that time—25 years—spent as a police dog handler. My passion for this profession is reflected in my work, which also inspired me to write "Vader: A Police Dog Story." This book offers readers a glimpse into my unique experiences and challenges faced in the world of law enforcement. As my life has been dogs I am proud to  offer those skills to the community through my dog training school, Qld K9 Academy in Gordonvale. www.k9academy.com.au.

 Prior to commencing my career in  policing, I completed an apprenticeship as a bookbinder and a trade I still practice today www.ausmenus.com.au. I  am also deeply involved in martial arts, where I have earned black belts in Karate, Tae Kwon Do, and Ju Jitsu, showcasing my commitment to discipline and I still train today and instruct a class in my home town of Gordonvale.  Over the years, my dedication and service have been recognized through several prestigious awards, including the Australian Bravery Medal, Commendation for Brave Conduct, and the Australian Police Medal, which I hold with great pride.  Please visit enjoy the rest of my page.  

IMG_20230827_192025.jpg
received_1547212809133758_edited.png

Honours and Awards

  • 2004-Australian Bravery Medal (BM) For the rescue of a child in flooded waters in Cairns in 2001.

  • 2002-QPS Valour Award Medal.  Internal departmental award for the above incident

  • 2022-Australian Police Medal (APM) For professionalism, calmness under pressure and energetic leadership ensuring that junior officers are aware of operational objectives and motivated to confidently pursue successful outcomes. He is renowned for his exemplary leadership and operational capability in the most demanding of circumstances.

  • 2021-Commendation for Brave Conduct. For entering a unit fire on the Gold Coast in search of residents.

  • 2017-Letter of Commendation  for confronting a male person armed with a rifle in Cairns.

  • 2016- National Police Service Medal- For ethical and sustained service  

  • 2016-Meritorious Service Medal  for leadership in the role as Officer in Charge of the Cairns Police Dog Squad.

  • 2015-Letter of commendation for command and control in Cardwell after Cyclone Yasi.   

  • 2015-National Medal.  Recognising the sustained service of outstanding Australians.

  • 2015-Assistant Commissioners' Certificate  for implementation and operational performance of the detection dog program in Regional Queensland.

  • 2015-Letter of Commendation for the dedication to duty displayed when negotiating with a male person armed with a cross bow and tomahawk in Cairns.

  • 2003-Assistant Commissioners Certificate for resourcefulness, professionalism and negotiation skills displayed when negotiating with a male person threatening self-harm on a high-rise building.

  • 2003-Assistant Commissioners Certificate for courage and dedication displayed during the arrest of an offender armed with a pistol in Gordonvale.

  • 2000-Certificate of appreciation for the search, location and apprehension of numerous offenders in Herberton.

  • 1999-QPS Diligent and ethical service medal. For diligent and ethical service.

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."

bottom of page