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Incident
Deputy Sheriff Morris Taylor was shot and killed after responding to a report involving a man performing lewd acts at a motel on Bear Creek Road in Curtin, Oregon at approximately 7:40 am.
After making initial contact with the suspect, Deputy Taylor returned to his patrol car to await assistance. When another deputy arrived, they both approached the motel room where the suspect was located. The suspect opened fire on them with a rifle, fatally wounding Deputy Taylor. Deputy Taylor was wearing his vest at the time but was shot in the head. Deputies returned the gunfire and killed the suspect.
Deputy Taylor had served with the Douglas County Sheriff's Office for three years and previously served in law enforcement an additional 11 years with two other agencies.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife, parents, and sister.
In Our Keeping
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- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Taylor gave the Douglas County Sheriff's Office 14 years.
Thank you for your service to the Roseburg community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Taylor.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Douglas County Sheriff's Office has lost 5 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Morris is one of 115 officers killed feloniously in OR, 58.4% of the 197 remembered there.
Morris is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Morris is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2002, 1 officer in OR was killed feloniously, the 32nd heaviest of 75 years on record. The heaviest was 1931, with 5.
In 2002, 73 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 96th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 2002, 78 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 96th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Morris was 38. Of the 97 killed feloniously in OR whose age is recorded, half were between 36 and 51; the middle age was 43. Morris had served 14 years; the middle length of service was 6.5 years.
Morris was 38. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Morris had served 14 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Morris was 38. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Morris had served 14 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
September holds 8.7% of these deaths in OR; November holds the most, 12.2%. Saturdays: 13.9%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
September holds 8.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 40% of all 5 deaths at Douglas County Sheriff's Office, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 58.4% of all 197 deaths in OR, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 9.6% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 5.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 5.3% of these deaths.
His people
Douglas County Sheriff's Office has 5 officers remembered here, Morris among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 30-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Douglas County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
