Decorated Officer Welcomed as New Chief of Cow Creek Tribal Police

ROSEBURG, OR. — The Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians announced the appointment of Todd Spingath as Chief of Police for the Cow Creek Tribal Police Department at a swearing-in ceremony on Wednesday in Roseburg. Spingath has served as Interim Chief of Police since February 2026, but has been a familiar, dedicated and integral part of the Douglas County and Roseburg law enforcement community for years.

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 an official commendation for his role as a Roseburg Police Detective responding to the mass casualty event at Umpqua Community College on October 1, 2015. That year, Spingath was also named Officer/Investigator of the Year by the Roseburg Police Department.

“Chief Spingath represents so many of the values our Tribe holds high,” said Cow Creek Umpqua Tribal Chairman Carla Keene. “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 name 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.

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

Chief Spingath thanked his family, friends, and fellow officers for their support at Wednesday’s ceremony. He was also presented with two gifts to signify his new role within the Cow Creek Umpqua Tribal Government. First, Education Programs Officer Jesse Jackson gifted Chief Spingath an arrow to place above his doorway as a representation of peace and protection. He also gifted him with a beaded blue heron feather.

“We know that Takelma means, ‘People of the river,’” explained Jackson, 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 raised in Douglas County, where he continues to live with his wife of 31 years, their three adult children, and two grandchildren. He was sworn in by Cow Creek Umpqua Tribal Board Member Luann Urban.

For the latest news from the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians, find us on Facebook and Instagram. Contact Communications Director Lindsay Campman (541) 529-9159 for additional information.