MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WDNews) — Governor Kay Ivey has officially welcomed the newest member of Alabama’s work zone safety team—Vaquito, the work zone safety dog. On Monday, Vaquito was sworn in as an honorary Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) Trooper during a special ceremony held at the Alabama State Capitol.
The four-legged trooper took the oath of office with ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor, ALEA Director of Public Safety Colonel Jonathan Archer, and handler Morris King by his side. Vaquito is a certified service dog and the new official safety mascot of the Alabama Associated General Contractors (AGC). He follows in the pawprints of Millie, the first Work Zone Safety K-9, who retired in February 2025 after being sworn in by Governor Ivey in 2023.
“Today, I had the pleasure of welcoming Vaquito to our work zone safety team – a symbol of Alabama’s commitment to protecting the hardworking men and women who build and maintain our nationally recognized infrastructure,” said Governor Ivey. “Vaquito is more than a member of our team, but he is a reminder that keeping our road crews safe is a job for all of us. Heroes come in all shapes and sizes, and today, one of the just happens to have four legs and a wagging tail.”
ALEA Secretary Taylor praised the dog’s predecessor: “Millie helped build a bridge between law enforcement and the public through education and outreach. Vaquito is already proving to be a worthy successor. Today’s ceremony marks not just a new chapter, but a continued commitment to safety across Alabama.”
“Millie set the standard when it came to safety outreach, and now Vaquito is ready to build on that foundation,” added ALEA DPS Director Colonel Jonathan Archer. “His presence will help us continue to connect with citizens of all ages in a meaningful way.”
Vaquito’s official duties will include traveling the state with King and ALEA Troopers to deliver messages on distracted driving and work zone awareness. His outreach will focus on school safety programs, National Work Zone Awareness Week, and other public safety events.
Also attending the event were members of AGC, including Carol Harris, who helps lead school safety programs statewide with King and K-9 Vaquito.
