Vader

Incident

Retired K-9 Officer Vader passed away on February 6, 2026, after a recent decline in health due to heart issues. He was humanely euthanized at home, lying in the sun, surrounded by loved ones, with care provided by Los Caballos Veterinary Clinic.

Officer Tanner Tumlinson handled Vader since 2017. Vader was a dual-purpose K-9 trained in narcotics detection and criminal apprehension. During his career, Vader contributed to the seizure of approximately 60 pounds of marijuana, 14 pounds of methamphetamine, 233 grams of cocaine, and 164 grams of heroin, and played a role in the arrest of 285 individuals.

In a tribute, Officer Tumlinson wrote: "In 2015 once I had finished my probation with the police department, I started to contemplate what I wanted to do with my career. I naturally gravitated towards the K9 unit. In 2017 I was selected for the K9 unit and took over handling Patrol Dog Vader. I was a baby handler and Vader knew it. Vader took every opportunity to let me know that I knew nothing and had a lot to learn about handling a patrol dog."

K9 Vader interacted frequently with the public and helped educate hundreds, if not thousands, of people about the work of the K9 unit. He retired on March 14, 2023, and spent his post-service years as a companion to Officer Tumlinson and his family. In retirement, Vader enjoyed sleeping on the bed and barking at birds and passersby.

Sources: San Angelo Police Department; reported by Concho Valley Homepage (February 7, 2026) and San Angelo Live (February 7, 2026).