BEND, Ore. — After more than three decades of dedicated service, Deschutes County Sheriff’s Deputy Donny Patterson is retiring alongside his loyal K-9 partner, Copper. The duo has worked tirelessly together for the past six years, saving lives and providing invaluable assistance to the community.
Patterson, who began his law enforcement career in 1989 as a police cadet at the Eugene Police Department, has had an extensive career spanning multiple agencies. However, it was in 2019 that he received a special opportunity — to work with a bloodhound, thanks to a generous donation from a local citizen.
“I’ve always wanted to work with a bloodhound and see how they compare to other police dogs,” Patterson said. His wish came true when Copper, a 6-year-old bloodhound, joined the team. The two quickly formed a bond, and Copper’s extraordinary scenting abilities were put to use in various search and rescue operations.
Unlike some police dogs trained for apprehending suspects, Copper’s primary role was to assist in locating missing persons, particularly those suffering from dementia or children who had wandered off. Over the years, the team has played a crucial role in locating lost individuals, often in challenging conditions.
“Copper doesn’t make arrests, but he has been instrumental in finding people when they’re most needed,” Patterson explained. “His training in search and rescue has saved lives, and he has helped bring families back together.”
One of the most remarkable stories from Patterson and Copper’s career involved a training session in which Copper showcased his impressive scent-detection skills. During the exercise, Copper was able to differentiate between the scent of a suspect’s breath and the lingering aroma of a cheeseburger the suspect had recently eaten. Using his keen sense of smell, Copper was able to track the suspect down from a mile away.
“Copper’s sense of smell is so sensitive,” Patterson said. “He’s truly one of a kind. When he finds someone, he’s all about love — jumping up to lick them and getting his drool all over them.”
Though Patterson and Copper have officially retired from their law enforcement duties, Patterson continues to involve Copper in the local community. The bloodhound’s love for the job is so strong that Patterson has enlisted the children in his neighborhood to hide, allowing Copper to track them for fun and exercise.
As the pair moves into retirement, their legacy of service and teamwork is remembered fondly by those they’ve helped and worked alongside. For Patterson, Copper will always be more than just a partner — they’ve become family.
The bond between law enforcement officers and their K-9 partners is undeniable, and Patterson and Copper’s shared experiences will continue to inspire those who serve.
