Sonoma County Sheriff's Lieutenant Dies From COVID Complications

SONOMA COUNTY, CA — As members of the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office mourned the death of one of its own to coronavirus, California Gov. Gavin Newsom mourned with them.

Sonoma County Sheriff's Lt. Robert "Bobby" Travelstead, 40, died Wednesday at a local hospital from complications related to COVID-19.

"It is with great sadness that Jennifer and I extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and members of the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office on this devastating loss," Newsom said Thursday in a statement. "Lieutenant Travelstead dedicated his life to service, working to ensure the safety of his community and our nation, and we are forever grateful."

According to the governor's statement, Travelstead joined the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office in 2007 as a correctional deputy and served in several roles in the Detention Division. He was promoted to sergeant in 2014 and worked as a supervisor at the Main Adult Detention Facility, North County Detention Facility and Pretrial Services. In 2019, he was promoted to lieutenant and was assigned to the Main Adult Detention Facility as the watch commander.

Travelstead’s commitment to service began in 2001 as a member of the U.S. Navy. In 2006, he was honorably discharged as a decorated veteran, having served as a field medical corpsman for the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force and Naval Service in Southwest Asia during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

Travelstead is survived by his two daughters, Kaylie and Kiana, and three siblings.

In honor of Travelstead, Newsom said Capitol flags would be flown at half-staff.