Holly MatkinDouglas County, OR – Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) Deputy Matthew “Matt” Harmon died on Oct. 26 after suffering a sudden cardiac medical event, according to his department.
The 53-year-old deputy was off duty at home at the time, the DCSO said in a press release two days later.
Deputy Harmon’s family said he passed away with his “favorite canine buddy, Trigger, beside him,” according to his obituary.
“Matt was a valued and dedicated deputy who served with honor and distinction,” Douglas County Sheriff John Hanlin said in the press release. “He was a genuine person and will be sorely missed by everyone here at the Sheriff’s Office. Our sincere thoughts and prayers are with Deputy Harmon’s family during this difficult time of loss.”
Deputy Harmon began his law enforcement career in 1996, when he joined the Oakland Police Department (OPD) as a reserve officer, according to his obituary.
He began working as a reserve deputy with the DCSO in 2003 and later accepted a full-time position in the Corrections Division in April of 2010, the sheriff’s office said.
Deputy Harmon served as the agency’s Work Crew Supervisor from 2017 until 2019.
He leaves behind his wife of 19 years, Lisa, as well as his daughter, Kimberley, his stepdaughter, Kial, and his stepson, Zack, according to his obituary.
Deputy Harmon is also survived by his mother, granddaughter, sister, nephews, and many friends and extended family members.
Over 200 people attended his funeral service at the Douglas County Fairgrounds on Nov. 13, according to The News-Review.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Matthew Harmon, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
Sandy Malone
