Loved by everyone: Vale PADD Dog Cooper
Queensland Corrective Services is saddened to announce the passing of retired Passive Alert Drug Detection (PADD) dog Cooper, who served eight years at Townsville Correctional Complex, following a short battle with lymphoma.
‘Super’ Cooper, as he was affectionately known, commenced his career with QCS as an 11-month-old after being identified as having exceptional detection dog traits.
The highly decorated Springer Spaniel was formally retired from active front-line detection duties in mid-2024 after more than eight years of outstanding service alongside Custodial Correctional Dog Handler Ryan Coleman.
PADD Dogs play a vital role in the dynamic safety and security of Queensland’s correctional facilities across the state, searching visitors, mail and vehicles entering the centre to stamp out illicit substances that pose a risk to officers and prisoners.
Following his retirement, Cooper continued to make regular visits to officers at Townsville Correctional Complex and Townsville Community Corrections, as well as visits to other agencies such as the Magistrates Court Registry to provide pats and cuddles as an informal support dog.
Through his career Cooper has recorded a number of intercepts, with searches identifying concealments on prisoners and visitors across both Townsville Men’s and Women’s Correctional Centres, resulting in the seizure and prevention of suboxone, methylamphetamines and marijuana entering the facilities.
Cooper also partook in a number of successful searches and seizures in the community, joining operations alongside the Queensland Police Service targeting illicit substances.
In 2020, Cooper was awarded ‘Top Dog’ for Best Original Performance at the statewide QCS Top Dog competition, recognising his outstanding obedience, agility, room‑searching and freestyle capabilities.
He was also chosen to represent QCS as part of service dog demonstrations at Brisbane’s Ekka, where he quickly became a crowd favourite, and also represented the correctional facility at local recruitment and career expos.
A plaque will be installed at the Townsville Officer Remembrance Memorial and Garden in recognition of Cooper’s service to Townsville Correctional Complex. The memorial wall carries more than 100 plaques with the names of officers and service dogs who have died during their service or after retirement from the facility.
Acting General Manager, Townsville Correctional Complex Chief Superintendent Silvi Barretta said Cooper worked tirelessly to detect and intercept attempted contraband introductions and uphold the safety and security of the centre, in turn keeping communities safe.
“PADD Dog Cooper was a highly regarded service dog and member of the Townsville Correctional Complex, and will be remembered as one of our centre’s most effective drug detection dogs with the brightest and happiest personality,” Chief Supt Baretta said.
“Cooper was much loved by everyone who had the opportunity to meet him both in his role as a PADD dog and in the services he provided following his retirement from active duty, with his kindness, affection and loyalty acting as an enduring beacon of light within our correctional centre.
“His dedicated service and outstanding commitment to the safety and security of Townsville Correctional Complex will be sorely missed, and we thank Cooper for his incredible service and the indelible mark he has left on us all.
“Vale PADD Dog Cooper.”
ENDS.