For Hennessey Police Officer Julia Storey, a career in law enforcement was almost inevitable.
Originally from Illinois, Storey grew up in Oklahoma surrounded by family members in law enforcement. From an early age, she knew she wanted to help people. She also loved animals and once considered becoming a veterinarian. Today, she combines both passions as a K-9 officer with the Hennessey Police Department.
Her partner is Vader, a 10-year-old Dutch Shepherd who has become one of the department’s best-known officers, even if he works on four legs.
Storey purchased Vader when he was 7½ months old after seeking out a bloodline she had admired for years. She began training him at 10½ months, and he earned his first certification by the time he turned one. Although he’s showing a little gray around the muzzle, Vader is still actively serving the community.
“He still has a lot of go in him,” Storey said. Vader is a dual-purpose police K-9, he was previously nationally and state certified in narcotics detection and is currently State certified in narcotics detection and nationally certified in patrol work. This includes suspect apprehension, building and area searches, tracking, article searches, and advanced off-leash obedience. His certifications must be renewed annually, and Oklahoma law requires K-9 teams to complete at least 16 hours of training each month to stay sharp.
As a narcotics detection dog, Vader is trained to locate heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana. Storey said the searches are like a game for him, making training enjoyable while keeping his skills sharp.
Vader’s reputation extends well beyond Hennessey. He has appeared in magazines, been featured by national K-9 organizations, and was even considered for the television program America’s Top Dog. This year, the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office invited him to be nominated for its first ever K-9 of the Year award. For the occasion, K9 Storm, provided Vader with a custom tuxedo that fits over his protective ballistic vest, donated by Spike’s K-9 Fund.
Storey said caring for a working police dog is expensive, but she has been fortunate to receive support from businesses, organizations, and community members who have donated everything from dog food to specialized equipment.
She also praised Hennessey’s new Friends of the Police program, which allows residents to support projects and equipment that often fall outside the department’s budget.
Thanks to a donation from Spike’s K9 Fund, Vader now has a “Hot-N-Pop” heat alarm system that automatically lowers the patrol vehicle’s windows, activates the lights and siren, and alerts officers if the inside temperature becomes dangerously hot. The system helps protect Vader during Oklahoma’s hot summer months.
While Vader is nearing retirement, the future of Hennessey’s K-9 program is already in training. Storey is preparing Vader’s daughter, Vindi, to become the department’s next narcotics detection dog. Unlike Vader, Vindi will be a single-purpose K-9, allowing her to safely participate in school demonstrations and community outreach events after completing her certification.
For now, Vader continues to patrol alongside Storey as both a crime-fighting partner and one of Hennessey’s most popular public servants. Whether he’s searching for narcotics, tracking suspects, or simply drawing smiles from residents, Vader has proven that some of the department’s finest officers just happen to walk on four paws.
Watch the entire video interview with Officer Storey and Vader coming soon on the All About Network Show.
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