LAKEPORT >> Senator Mike McGuire’s legislation that would rename a portion of Highway 29 in honor and memory of the late Lake County hero Deputy Robert Rumfelt in his hometown of Lakeport received unanimous, bipartisan support in the State Senate.
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 the nation by enlisting in the United States Marine Corps and earned numerous accolades for his honor, courage, and commitment. Rumfelt continued serving when the City of Lakeport hired him as a police officer in 1995 and then as a deputy for the Lake County Sheriff’s Department in 2014.
In 2010, while taking a leave of absence from the LPD 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 severely injured soldier.
On August 22, 2017, Deputy Robert Rumfelt tragically died in the line of duty. “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 added, “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 hometown in his memory.” Rumfelt was also an inspiring and positive force in the lives of many young people. He spent countless hours at Clear Lake High School 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. After passing 38-0 in the State Senate, the Resolution will now move through the Assembly committee process.
