April 30, 2025 3:40 a.m.
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office has announced the passing of K9 Ozzy, due to health complications.
Undersheriff Brad O’Dell said that Ozzy, an 8-year-old German Shepherd, was certified for duty on May 22, 2020, and faithfully served DCSO and the citizens of the county until his retirement on April 23rd.
O’Dell said after a thoughtful consultation with a veterinarian last Friday, it was determined that it was in Ozzy’s best interest, as his quality of life had been steadily declining, and he was showing signs of significant deterioration, that he be put to rest.
O’Dell said Ozzy was partnered with Deputy Barden throughout his career, and together they formed a strong and effective team. Ozzy’s contributions to DCSO and the county were substantial. During his career, Ozzy was deployed 354 times, participated in 34 public demonstrations, and was involved in 36 felony arrests and 16 misdemeanor arrests. He also assisted in 84 felony investigations and 27 misdemeanor cases. O’Dell said Ozzy was responsible for a total of 88 apprehensions and successfully completed 37 tracks.
O’Dell said on the night of April 12, 2022, Ozzy’s alertness and skill may very well have saved Deputy Barden’s life. While assisting the Roseburg Police Department with clearing a business following a break-in, Ozzy detected a suspect hiding behind a desk on the second floor. Despite multiple warnings, the suspect remained hidden. O’Dell said thanks to Ozzy’s alertness, the suspect, armed with a loaded AR-15 style rifle, was taken into custody without incident. The suspect later admitted he planned to shoot whoever tried to come after him but surrendered out of fear of being bitten by Ozzy. O’Dell said the incident stands as a powerful reminder of the risks that deputies and K9’s face and the extraordinary bond and teamwork that keeps them safe.
DCSO would like to express its sincere gratitude to all those who supported Ozzy and the K9 program over the years. Anyone wishing to make a tax-deductible donation to Ozzy’s memory may do so by mailing it to: Friends of UV K9 Programs, P.O. Box 213, in Roseburg, 97470. Checks should be made payable to the organization with ‘K9 Ozzy” in the memo line.