Lakeport, CA – For the past three decades, Deputy Sheriff Robert Rumfelt worked tirelessly to protect and serve his country and the greater Lake County community. After graduating from Clear Lake High School, he answered the call to serve our nation by enlisting in the United States Marine Corps and earned numerous accolades for his honor, courage and commitment. Deputy Rumfelt continued serving when he was hired by the City of Lakeport as a Police Officer in 1995 and then as a Sheriff’s Deputy for Lake County in 2014. 

In 2010, while taking a leave of absence from the Lakeport Police Department to serve as a Police Advisor to Iraqi law enforcement agencies in Ramadi, Baghdad, Kurdistan, and Mosul, he risked his life during an IED attack on an Army convoy to save the life of a badly  injured soldier.

On August 22, 2017, Deputy Robert Rumfelt tragically died in the line of duty. Last week, Senator Mike McGuire introduced SCR 92, which would rename a portion of Highway 29, in his hometown of Lakeport in honor of the fallen deputy.

“Deputy Rumfelt selflessly served his country and dedicated his life to keeping the hard working people of Lake County safe. His impact on this community is immeasurable and the contributions he made will be his lasting legacy. After all Deputy Rumfelt’s done for our nation and right here at home, the least we can do is honor his tireless work and sacrifice so generations will know about his achievements, bravery and big heart,” Senator McGuire said.

Lake County Sheriff Brian Martin said: “Deputy Rumfelt was a true American hero, saving lives overseas with the United States Military, and protecting and serving his community in Lake County. We’re grateful to work with Senator McGuire to honor his legacy by renaming a portion of the highway that runs through his home town in his memory.”

Deputy Rumfelt had a lifelong love and respect for the United States Marine Corps. This respect led him to enlist in the Corps following his graduation from Clear Lake High School in 1985.

He served America as an infantryman assigned to the 2^nd Battalion, 4^th Marine Division in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Rumfelt served with distinction and received numerous awards over the course of his military career.

Deputy Rumfelt was an inspiring and positive force in the lives of many young people. He spent countless hours at Clear Lake High School, his alma mater, coaching the football team and mentoring youth. Rumfelt was a dedicated family man. He is survived by his wife Kelly, his two daughters Nikki and Britney, his grandsons Robby and Johnny, his parents, and his siblings.

SCR 92 is co-authored by Senator Bill Dodd and Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry.

###