Retired Hillsborough Canine Officer Vader died earlier this month.

The 13-year-old, Slovakian-born Czech Shepherd died peacefully June 8, shortly after being diagnosed with cancer.

Vader began his police career in 2014 and retired in September 2024 after serving nearly 10 years with the Hillsborough Police Department.

His handler, Sgt. Scott Foster, selected Vader from a canine training facility in Sanford, North Carolina. He chose Vader based on the courage, intelligence and drive Vader showed when tested in various situations.

During his distinguished career, Vader greatly impacted the community, his handler said. The police dog drew adoring fans, tracked and apprehended criminals, located critical evidence, seized illegal narcotics and helped de-escalate situations that could have been tragic.

“He was brave and determined,” Foster said. “He did not hesitate to go into any type of environment or situation.”

Vader showed tenacity and determination in fighting crime, but his engaging personality during school demonstrations will make him memorable to a decade of students, Foster said. Students in local elementary schools helped select his name in 2014.

“For all of his professionalism, Vader was also very mischievous,” his handler recalled. “He had a knack for finding skunks.”

Those late-night finds led to late-night baths for the two partners. On another occasion, Vader sneaked a live, full-sized opossum into their patrol car.

“He was probably the most mischievous dog I've ever had or been around,” Foster said. “He was funny.”

After his retirement, Vader continued to live with and be loved by his handler's family, enjoying lots of treats, sunbathing and earned rest. Foster estimates he spent more time with Vader than his human family.

“It was our job to protect each other, and that builds a very strong bond,” Foster said. “Vader spent his life protecting the citizens of Hillsborough, and I hope that he will always be remembered."

The Hillsborough Police Department currently has one canine officer, Jett, and has plans to select another in the next fiscal year.