The Oregon State Police family is grieving the loss of Sgt. Marcus McDowell who was found dead in his patrol car on Tuesday after taking his own life.
“Our hearts go out to his family, friends, and co-workers as they cope with this tragic incident,” the OSP said in a press release issued Thursday.
McDowell was a 17-year veteran of the OSP and worked out of the La Grande Patrol Office. The Wallowa County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation into his death. The State Medical Examiner’s Office has determined the manner of death to be suicide. He was on duty at the time of his death.
The OSP’s Critical Incident Response Team was activated to provide peer support to agency members who have been impacted by this tragedy.
“The Oregon State Police thanks the members of the public and other public safety partners for their support during this difficult time,” the OSP said in its press release.
The OSP said McDowell was respected by all and especially those he has worked closely with throughout the years. He spent his career at OSP as a member of the Patrol Division, Fish and Wildlife Division, and as a K-9 handler working in the John Day and La Grande areas.
In its Thursday press release, the OSP stated:
Law Enforcement Officers have some of the same struggles as the rest of us and need help too. Mental Health is just as important as physical health in Law Enforcement. It has only been since 2018 that The Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act of 2017 (LEMHWA) was signed into law recognizing that law enforcement agencies need and deserve support in their ongoing efforts to protect the mental health and well-being of their employees.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, speak up, ask for help, reach out to professionals. There are many resources available to everyone. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States- 1-800-273-8255. Crisis Text Line is a texting service for emotional crisis support. Text HELLO to 741741. It is free, available 24/7, and confidential.
