Former Healdsburg Police Chief Kevin Burke Dies

HEALDSBURG, CA — Former Healdsburg police Chief Kevin Burke has died at age 55.

Burke, who served as police chief in Healdsburg from 2011 to 2021, died Tuesday at his home in Healdsburg.

It is believed he took his own life.

Deputies from the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office carried out a welfare check on Burke on Tuesday at his home in the 800 block of Josephine Lane, according to department spokesperson Sgt. Juan Valencia.

Valencia said deputies found him with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. A note was found nearby, the department said. The official cause of death will be determined by the county pathologist.

In January, Burke announced his candidacy for Sonoma County sheriff but withdrew from the race in March.

The city of Healdsburg posted a statement about Burke's death.

"The City of Healdsburg and the entire Healdsburg community are deeply saddened that Kevin Burke, the City’s former Police Chief, has passed away. Chief Burke served as the Healdsburg Police Chief from 2011 to 2021. Before serving in Healdsburg, he served as a Chief of Police with the City of Lakeport. Chief Burke also held a law degree from UC Berkeley and, prior to his career in policing, worked as a prosecutor.

"During his tenure in Healdsburg, Chief Burke played a lead role in the community’s response to the Kincade Fire, the pandemic, and a national dialogue over police reform. Committed to community policing, Chief Burke also created a program within the police department wherein a social worker works with sworn officers to provide services to community members.

"The City is deeply saddened by this loss. Chief Burke was a true wit, a friend and advisor to his colleagues, and a respected member of the City team. He will be missed."

Healdsburg Mayor Ozzy Jimenez said the loss of the city's former police chief would be felt by "countless members of our community."

"His light and kind heart will be missed by so many," Jimenez said. "Our Healdsburg Police Department has lost a great leader and friend."

The city of Healdsburg's current police chief, Matt Jenkins, said the police department was "heartbroken and saddened over Kevin's passing."

"As his Healdsburg Police Department family mourns the loss, we remember him for everything he did for the department and the community," Jenkins said. "He was a mentor and a friend, and he led us through many difficult times with courage and dignity."

The Santa Rosa Police Department also issued a statement.

"The death of Chief Burke is a tragic loss for family/friends, Sonoma County & law enforcement profession," Santa Rosa PD said on Twitter. "He was committed to community service, law enforcement leadership & making positive changes. He was an innovative & compassionate community leader who will be missed."

Editor's Note: If you are struggling with thoughts of taking your own life or someone you know is, please contact the North Bay Suicide Prevention Hotline at 855-587-6373 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255. Both hotlines operate 24/7.

Bay City News Service contributed to this report.