July 30 , 2026 3:40 a.m.  

The Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians has announced the appointment of Todd Spingath as Cow Creek Tribal Police Department Chief of Police at a swearing-in ceremony on Wednesday in Roseburg.

Spingath has served as Interim Chief of Police since February, but has been a familiar, dedicated and integral part of the Douglas County and Roseburg law enforcement community for years.

A Tribal release said for over 30 years, Chief Spingath has served in law enforcement, including 25 years with the Roseburg Police Department. During that time, he received numerous commendations for his service to the Roseburg community, including the Medal of Honor and official commendation for his role as a Roseburg Police Detective responding to the mass casualty event at Umpqua Community College on October 1st, 2015.

Cow Creek Umpqua Tribal Chairman Carla Keene said, “Chief Spingath represents so many of the values our Tribe holds high”. Chairman Keene said, “He demonstrates daily leadership, integrity, follow-through, and commitment to maintaining community safety. All of us will benefit from his leadership in this position, as well as his knowledge and background in criminal investigation, patrol operations, and crisis intervention”.

Prior to being named Chief of Police, Spingath served as a Cow Creek Tribal Police Officer. During his time with the Roseburg Police Department from 1999 to 2025, Spingath was part of the Criminal Investigations Division and a member of the Douglas County Major Crimes Team. He is certified as a Field Training Officer, tactical team leader, and an NRA-certified law enforcement firearms instructor. He also served in the United States Air Force and as a sergeant in the Sheriff’s Office of Jones County, Texas.

Chief Spingath said, “It is an honor to serve the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians, the Cow Creek Umpqua Tribal families, all the people who work for the Cow Creek Umpqua Tribe and the people of Douglas County. I look forward to building even more connections and working with our community to keep it safe, secure and strong.”

Chief Spingath was raised in Douglas County. He was sworn in by Cow Creek Umpqua Tribal Board Member Luann Urban.