QCS’ most beloved PADD dog passes away

Queensland Corrective Services’ most beloved Passive Alert Drug Detection dog, Thommo, passed away recently after an extraordinary career and happy retirement with his handler Scott.

QCS Commissioner Paul Stewart APM said the Ekka, crowd favourite 14-year-old Labrador and his handler Scott had played an important role in keeping Queensland correctional centres safe.

“Since earning his sniffer stripes as a Passive Alert Drug Detection (PADD) dog in 2013, Thommo worked hard to keep our correctional centres and our officers safe across south-east Queensland.

“Thommo also helped to train other QCS PADD dogs, assisted police with operations and search warrants, and represented QCS at many public events and functions over the years. Many people would remember him from his demonstrations at the Ekka and the Puppy Love event.”

Commissioner Stewart said Thommo received numerous awards during his corrections career including the QCS Top Dog Award for PADD dogs in 2020 and five-year Canine Service Medal from the Australian Defence Force Trackers and War Dogs Association.

“Thommo had a remarkable career and his vital work to detect drugs in prisons will remain in our memories.”

PADD dog handler Scott said Thommo’s greatest attributes have been his work ethic, with an ability to search on and on, to perform demonstrations and to keep his human best friend happy every day.

“From keeping our community safe to meeting leaders, sporting stars and representing QCS at the Ekka, Thommo has touched so many lives within and outside the wall.

“He has been the best mates to several retired PADD dogs including Hercules as well as General Purpose Dogs, Tyson, Jaxx and Bear.

“He was pure happiness all the time. Rest in peace Thommo.”

Our deepest condolences go to Scott and his family on the loss of Thommo.