Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Mourns the Loss of K9 Ozzy
Douglas County K9 Ozzy has passed away following health complications. The 8-year-old German Shepherd served faithfully since 2020, assisting in 88 apprehensions. He is remembered for his bravery, loyalty, and lifesaving actions alongside Deputy Barden.
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is mourning the loss of K9 Ozzy, who passed away recently due to health-related complications.
K9 Ozzy, an 8-year-old German Shepherd, officially joined the Sheriff’s Office on May 22, 2020. After nearly four years of dedicated service to the agency and the residents of Douglas County, Ozzy retired on April 23, 2024.
Undersheriff Brad O’Dell shared that, following a careful evaluation with a veterinarian last Friday, the difficult decision was made to humanely end Ozzy’s suffering as his condition had significantly declined. The decision, O’Dell said, was made with Ozzy’s comfort and dignity in mind.
Throughout his career, Ozzy was partnered with Deputy Barden. Together, they formed a strong and highly effective team whose contributions to public safety were significant. Ozzy was deployed 354 times, took part in 34 community demonstrations, and played a role in the apprehension of 88 suspects. His work included 36 felony and 16 misdemeanor arrests, support in 84 felony and 27 misdemeanor investigations, and the successful completion of 37 tracks.
One of Ozzy’s most heroic moments came on the night of April 12, 2022. While assisting Roseburg Police during a building search following a break-in, Ozzy detected a suspect hiding behind a desk on the second floor. Despite repeated warnings, the suspect refused to reveal himself. Thanks to Ozzy’s vigilance, the armed individual—who was later found to be carrying a loaded AR-15 style rifle—was taken into custody without injury. The suspect later confessed that he intended to shoot responding officers but surrendered out of fear of being bitten. O’Dell described the event as a powerful example of the courage, skill, and life-saving value that K9 teams bring to law enforcement.
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office extends its heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported Ozzy and the K9 unit over the years. Those who wish to honor Ozzy’s memory may make a tax-deductible donation to the Friends of UV K9 Programs by mailing a check to P.O. Box 213, Roseburg, OR 97470. Please include "K9 Ozzy" in the memo line.
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