LAKEPORT, Calif. – Sen. 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.

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.

“Deputy Rumfelt selflessly served his country and dedicated his life to keeping the hard working people of Lake County safe,” said Sen. McGuire. “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.”

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 Lakeport Police Department as an officer in 1995 and then as a Lake County Sheriff’s deputy 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, Rumfelt died in the line of duty following a struggle with a domestic violence suspect.

“Deputy Rumfelt was a true American hero, saving lives overseas with the United States Military, and protecting and serving his community in Lake County,” Lake County Sheriff Brian Martin said. “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.”

McGuire said 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.