Kevin Burke shown here on his 2022 campaign website.
photo credit: Courtesy of the Burke campaign

Many in the law enforcement community and in the city of Healdsburg are in shock, coming to terms with news that Kevin Burke, until recently the well-liked chief of Healdsburg Police, has died.

Burke's body was reportedly discovered Tuesday evening during a welfare check by Healdsburg police.

Healdsburg Mayor Osvaldo Jimenez calls the loss 'heartbreaking' and says he is "still processing."

"He was such a great community member, colleague, friend," Jimenez told KRCB. "And so it pains me, it pains me to see someone so bright and full of future to make the decision that he did, and it pains me because so many of our LGBTQ people, specifically LGBTQ people in positions of leadership need support, especially in rural areas."

In January Burke had announced his candidacy for county sheriff, seeking to succeed Mark Essick in the June 7th primary election. Burke, 55 withdrew from the race two month later, citing health issues.

Initial reports suggest suicide as the cause.

Assistant Sheriff Eddie Engram posted on social media that Burke's "unexpected death is a tragedy and I am heartbroken for his family. My sincerest condolences go out to Kevin’s family, friends, and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time."

Dave Edmonds, who like Engram is seeking the sheriff's office, offered his "deepest, profoundest condolences to Kevin Burke and his family."

You can read KRCB's stories on Burke's candidacy here and here.