vspa overview
For over 50 years, the Virginia State Police Association has been going strong in its commitment to its members.
Today more than 2,300 members of the VSPA 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.
The Mission of VSPA
To be mutually helpful to one another is still the primary purpose of the VSPA, but today it is only part of the story. Helping members through scholarships, emergency relief funds, and retirement grants is a prime focus but the scope of giving has widened. It now includes the Department of State Police in general, as well as school and community programs across the Commonwealth.
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 VSPA provides members of the Department with more reasons to be proud of their positions.
The History of VSPA
Thinking that many voices united are stronger than scattered individual voices, these charter members founded the Virginia State Police Association 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.
Initial Meetings
Fom 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.
The Trooper Statue
A uniformed statue of a trooper, life-size and bronze, will stand watch forever at the Virginia State Police Academy in North Chesterfield.
It was created in honor and recognition of the Virginia law enforcement officers the statue is modeled after.
The statue is part of the Woodson Memorial Gallery which displays the names and information of Virginia State Police officers who have died in service.
the statue is a tribute
it is an inspiration
it is a legacy
The Trooper Statue was sculpted by Mr. Terence “Super G” C. Karselis of North Chesterfield, who passed away on March 25, 2024 at the age of 86. Mr. Karselis spoke at the official dedication of the monument in 1990.
The VSPA has become an honored, professional organization and is now providing services and benefits far exceeding all previous expectations.
Trooper Teddy
VSPA 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 and anxiety of children of trauma.
The small stuffed bears are given to a child or children involved in a car crash or another traumatic incident to help comfort them.
The precious child pictured was comforted with a Trooper Teddy after being involved in a vehicle accident.
You can make a donation to the Trooper Teddy Program through our Foundation Donation page.
