Meet our newest (and fluffiest) special deputy – Corporal Carlton! I am proud to introduce the newest special deputy on our team: Corporal Carlton, a happy, fluffy goldendoodle. Corporal was sworn in with much fanfare today and got right to work. Corporal joins the Sheriff’s Office as part of our staff health and wellness initiative. The program prioritizes the financial security, mental health, spiritual fulfillment, and physical health of our staff. In a profession where deputies, dispatchers, and corrections staff regularly encounter stressful and high-pressure situations, Corporal Carlton offers comfort, calm, and connection in a way only a dog can. Trained as a comfort canine, Corporal will visit various divisions of the Sheriff’s Office, including patrol, dispatch, corrections, and administration. His role is simple but powerful – to bring a moment of peace, reduce stress, and remind our team that taking care of their own wellness is just as important as taking care of the community. Corporal’s calm temperament and cheerful personality make him a natural fit for the job. He’s always ready with a wagging tail, a gentle nudge, or a warm cuddle. Beyond internal visits, Corporal will also make occasional appearances at community events, helping strengthen connections between the Sheriff’s Office and the people we serve. Corporal Carlton also represents a legacy of selfless service through his namesake. Lane County Sheriff’s Deputy Carlton Smith laid down his life in service to our community on his first night as a solo patrol deputy, July 6th, 1965. Corporal was donated by Working Dogs Oregon, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the welfare and effectiveness of working dogs across the state. They provide fully-trained comfort, therapy, and patrol dogs to law enforcement, fire departments, and district attorneys across the state. We’re thrilled to welcome Corporal Carlton to the team and look forward to the positive impact he’ll continue to make on our staff and community!Photos from Lane County Sheriff's Office's post