LAKEPORT, Calif. – Congressman Mike Thompson, State Sen. Mike McGuire, Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, Sheriff Brian Martin and representatives from CalTrans will host a remembrance and unveiling ceremony in memory of Lake County Deputy Sheriff Robert Rumfelt next week in Lakeport.
They’ll be coming together with family members and community leaders on Thursday, Oct. 11, at 11 a.m. to rename a portion of Highway 29 as the “Deputy Sheriff Robert Rumfelt Memorial Highway.”
A new highway sign will be unveiled recognizing Deputy Rumfelt’s service and sacrifice to our country and the people of Lake County.
Sen. McGuire’s legislation that is renaming the portion of Highway 29 in honor and memory of Rumfelt was signed earlier this year by Gov. Jerry Brown.
“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. We’re honored to partner with Congressman Thompson, Assemblywoman Aguiar-Curry and Sheriff Martin on this special occasion,” Sen. McGuire 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,” Martin said. “We’re grateful to work with Sen. McGuire, Congressman Thompson and Assemblywoman Aguiar-Curry to honor his legacy by renaming a portion of the highway that runs through his home town in his memory.”
For the past three decades, 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 Aug. 22, 2017, Deputy Rumfelt tragically died in the line of duty.
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.
The ceremony will take place at 52 Soda Bay Road, Lakeport.
A hot dog barbecue lunch, with all the fixings, will be provided.
Portion of Highway 29 to be renamed for Deputy Rumfelt during ceremony next week
- Lake County News reports
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