Todd Spingath Sworn In as Chief of Cow Creek Tribal Police

ROSEBURG, Ore. - The Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians has appointed longtime Douglas County law enforcement officer Todd Spingath as chief of the Cow Creek Tribal Police Department.

Spingath was formally sworn in during a ceremony Wednesday in Roseburg. He had served as interim police chief since February 2026 and previously worked as an officer with the tribal police department.

Spingath brings more than 30 years of law enforcement experience to the position, including 25 years with the Roseburg Police Department.

“Chief Spingath represents so many of the values our Tribe holds high,” Cow Creek Umpqua Tribal Chairman Carla Keene said. “He demonstrates daily leadership, integrity, follow-through, and commitment to maintaining community safety.”

Keene said Spingath’s experience in criminal investigations, patrol operations and crisis intervention will benefit the Tribe and the surrounding community.

More Than Three Decades in Law Enforcement

Spingath served with the Roseburg Police Department from 1999 until 2025. During his career, he worked in the department’s Criminal Investigations Division and served as a member of the Douglas County Major Crimes Team.

He is certified as a field training officer, tactical team leader and law enforcement firearms instructor.

Spingath also previously served in the United States Air Force and worked as a sergeant with the Jones County Sheriff’s Office in Texas.

During his time with Roseburg police, Spingath received multiple commendations, including the department’s Medal of Honor. He was also formally recognized for his response as a detective following the Oct. 1, 2015, mass shooting at Umpqua Community College.

Spingath was named the Roseburg Police Department’s Officer/Investigator of the Year in 2015.

“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,” Spingath said. “I look forward to building even more connections and working with our community to keep it safe, secure, and strong.”

Tribal Gifts Mark New Leadership Role

During Wednesday’s ceremony, Spingath thanked his family, friends and fellow law enforcement officers for their support.

Cow Creek Umpqua Education Programs Officer Jesse Jackson presented Spingath with two gifts representing his new role within the tribal government.

The first was an arrow intended to be placed above his doorway as a symbol of peace and protection. Spingath was also presented with a beaded blue heron feather.

“We know that Takelma means ‘People of the river,’” Jackson said, referring to the ancestral language of the Cow Creek Umpqua people. “One of our strongest relatives that is also a protector on the river is the blue heron. Now as our police chief, that spirit lives with you.”

Spingath was sworn in by Cow Creek Umpqua Tribal Board Member Luann Urban.

A Douglas County native, Spingath continues to live in the area with his wife of 31 years. They have three adult children and two grandchildren.