OR Deputy Drowns During Off-Duty Rescue Attempt

Bystanders found the deputy and brought her to the surface. Linn County deputies and paramedics attempted life-saving procedures, but she did not survive.

Staff Writer・Editorial

Read Staff's Posts

August 2, 2021

OR Deputy Drowns During Off-Duty Rescue Attempt — Lane County, OR, Deputy Courtney Couch drowned Sunday while attempting to help her niece. (Photo: Lane County SO)

1 min to read

A Lane County, OR, sheriff's deputy drowned over the weekend while off duty with her family at Foster Reservoir, the sheriff's office announced Monday.

The sheriff's office said Deputy Courtney Couch (Anderson) was paddleboarding Sunday and attempting to help her young niece, the Register Guard reports.

The child was recovered safely.

Deputy Couch fell in the water and did not resurface.

Bystanders found the deputy and brought her to the surface. Linn County deputies and paramedics attempted life-saving procedures, but Couch did not survive. The Linn County Sheriff's Office said Couch was not wearing a life jacket at the time she went into the water, KPTV reports.

Couch, 36, was a veteran of the United States Army and had been a deputy with the Lane County Sheriff's Office for seven years.

Topics:Oregon agencies Off-Duty Deaths Patrol

More Patrol

Graphic announcing $25 million in law enforcement grants and resources over a photo of the U.S. Department of Justice headquarters in Washington, D.C., with large blue-and-white headline text overlaying the building.

Patrol•July 23, 2026

Justice Department Releases $25M in Law Enforcement Grants & Resources

The Office of Community Oriented Policing Services has just released $25 million in new grant Notices of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs) to support law enforcement. The recently released NOFOs include the Safer Outcomes: Enhancing Crisis Response Training for Law Enforcement Program and other grant programs.

POLICE Topics, Tactics & Tips YouTube thumbnail asking, “What qualifies a device as rugged or fully rugged?” featuring a Panasonic Toughbook laptop on a dark street background.

Patrol•by Wayne Parham•July 23, 2026

What Makes a Laptop Rugged or Fully Rugged?

What separates a rugged laptop from a fully rugged one? In this video, two Panasonic Connect experts explain the military testing, IP ratings, durability standards, and real-world features that help law enforcement officers rely on their computers in any environment.

Leadership update graphic featuring Team Wendy President Vasilios Brachos standing in front of a display of protective helmets, with POLICE Law Enforcement Solutions branding and text announcing his appointment as company president.

Patrol•July 22, 2026

Avon Technologies Appoints Vasilios Brachos as Team Wendy President

Longtime ballistic helmet leader Vasilios Brachos has been selected to guide the next chapter of protection, innovation, and growth at Team Wendy.

BRINC fundraising announcement graphic featuring a response drone in flight, highlighting a $125 million funding round to expand 911 response drones for police and fire stations, led by Motorola Solutions Ventures with additional investors.

Patrol•July 16, 2026

Brinc Raises $125M to Put a 911 Response Drone on Every Police and Fire Station Roof

The latest round of funding, $125 million, can help fuel Brinc’s mission to deploy 911-response drones at the 80,000 police and fire stations across the United States.

POLICE Topics, Tactics & Tips video series graphic featuring a Garmont Tactical Contact Collection duty boot against a police vehicle with flashing lights. Includes “Watch Now” callout for the video series.

Patrol•by Wayne Parham•July 9, 2026

Garmont Tactical Contact Collection: New Duty Boots for Law Enforcement

Choosing the right duty boot can make a significant difference during long shifts. In this video overview, Kyle Ferdyn, of Garmont Tactical, introduces the new Contact Collection, designed specifically for law enforcement professionals seeking comfort, traction, and durability.