Kevin Burke (from Kevin Burke for Sheriff Facebook Page)
Healdsburg is mourning the loss of former Police Chief Kevin Burke, who died in an apparent suicide. Sonoma County sheriff’s investigators say that authorities went to Burke’s home Tuesday on a welfare check and found his body. He reportedly died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The 55-year-old Burke was Healdsburg’s chief of police for a decade through last year. He withdrew his name as a candidate for the Sonoma County Sheriff’s race last month, citing health reasons. Reaction to the news has been emotional with heartfelt statements from the Mayor and Vice Mayor Healdsburg, the Chair of the Board of Supervisors, and local law enforcement agencies. State Senator Mike McGuire said on social media, “He was an amazing human and a great cop. His kindness, integrity, and dedication to protecting our community was unmatched.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, contact the National Suicide Prevention Line at 800-SUICIDE.