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vspa overview

The Virginia State Police Association has been going strong since its inception in Charlottesville in 1974.

The Mission of VSPA

To be mutually helpful to one another. This is still the primary purpose of the Virginia State Police Association – but today that is only part of the story. Helping members through scholarships, retirement grants and emergency relief funds is a prime focus – but the scope of giving has widened – to include the Department of State Police in general, and school and community programs across the Commonwealth.

The History of VSPA

Thinking that many voices united are stronger than scattered individual voices, these charter members founded the Virginia State Police Association almost fifty years ago. In spite of resistance from their supervisors, these members forged ahead through rough times to build and support the fledgling association. They gathered at homes and offices to discuss and formulate their ideas and desires, and met with an attorney to discuss their rights and means of change within their Department.

From their initial meetings to the present day, the Association has been relentless in its commitment to the troopers and their families. In the past, the Association has provided resources, assistance, and a sense of camaraderie to ensure the well-being of these dedicated officers. Looking ahead, the Virginia State Police Association will continue to work tirelessly to meet the evolving needs of the troopers and to foster a stronger and safer community for all.

Initial Meetings

Members gathered in Charlottesville. At 8:49 p.m., they officially formed the Virginia State Police Association.
At 6:40 p.m., the Association held its second meeting in Roanoke.
At 6:37 p.m., the Association held its third meeting in Richmond.
Largest gift to the Department from the Association was dedicated – the statue outside the Academy entrance.

The Trooper Statue

A uniformed statue of a trooper, life-size and bronze, will stand forever at the Virginia State Police Academy in North Chesterfield in honor and recognition of the law enforcement officers the statue is modeled after.

To troopers past
the statue is a tribute
To troopers present,
it is an inspiration
To troopers yet to come,
it is a legacy
The VSP Trooper Statue

Since its inception, the VSPA has become an honored, professional organization and is now providing services and benefits far exceeding all previous expectations.

Little girl with Trooper Teddy bear

Trooper Teddy

The Association provides the Department of State Police with little teddy bears that do a great deal of good in helping to dry young tears. Officers carry the Trooper Teddy bears in their patrol cars in case duty calls them to a scene where a child has been involved in an accident or has been traumatized in some way.

The trooper gives the child a Trooper Teddy as a gift. The Program was instituted in the late 80’s as an effort to break down the fear an anxiety of children of trauma. The precious child pictured was comforted with a Trooper Teddy after being in a vehicle accident. 

The Association’s goal of “being mutually helpful to one another” is realized through programs and benefits for its members. Since the scope of “helping” has widened to include schools and communities and youth-focused charities, the giving further fulfills the original motto of helping members of the Department. By projecting an image of professionalism, caring and support of programs and people in Virginia – the Virginia State Police Association provides members of the Department with additional reason to be proud of their positions.

Today more than 2,300 members of the Virginia State Police Association want to spread the word that Virginia State Troopers care about enforcing the law, but they also care about Virginians. When it comes to the Commonwealth, they are protecting and connecting.