August 5, 2026 3:20 a.m.
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office has announced the retirement of K-9 Trapper, a highly decorated English Springer Spaniel whose career has spanned 11 years of dedicated law enforcement service.
Undersheriff Brad O’Dell said Trapper was born in Ireland in 2013 and was selected and trained for narcotics detection before beginning a career that would leave a lasting impact on public safety throughout Douglas County. O’Dell said during his distinguished service, Trapper worked alongside multiple law enforcement agencies and served as a valued member of the Douglas Interagency Narcotics Team.
The release said throughout his career, Trapper’s exceptional detection abilities played a critical role in removing hundreds of pounds of illegal narcotics from local communities, including methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl. His reliable alerts assisted investigators during traffic stops, search warrants, and other criminal investigations, contributing to the disruption of drug trafficking operations and the arrest of hundreds of individuals involved in the distribution of controlled substances.
Corporal Matt Bird, Trapper’s longtime handler said, “K9 Trapper exemplified the dedication, professionalism, and reliability expected of every member of law enforcement”. Bird said, “His work undoubtedly made Douglas County a safer place, and it has been an honor to serve alongside him”.
The release said the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office extends its sincere gratitude to K9 Trapper for his service, loyalty and countless contributions to the safety of the county. His legacy will continue to be remembered by the deputies, detectives, law enforcement partners, and community members he served.
Undersheriff O’Dell said DCSO also expresses its appreciation to the Friends of Umpqua Valley Police K9 Programs, Bailey’s Veterinary Clinic, and all the other businesses that have supported K9 Trapper throughout his career and for their continued commitment to supporting law enforcement K9 teams throughout the county.