Holly MatkinRensselaer, NY – Columbia County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) Deputy Bernard Roberts died unexpectedly on Nov. 7, according to his department.
First responders were dispatched to the 52-year-old deputy’s Rensselaer home at approximately 11:50 a.m., where they found him deceased, the CCSO said in a press release the following day.
Deputy Roberts’ exact cause of death has not been released.
“It is with great sadness and regret that yesterday, we learned of the untimely passing of one of our Deputy Sheriffs,” the sheriff’s office said. “Deputy Roberts is a beloved 18-year veteran of the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, and has served the residents and visitors of Columbia County tirelessly since July 21, 2003.”
Deputy Bernard served in the U.S. Marine Corps prior to embarking on his career in law enforcement, according to his obituary.
Hundreds of friends, family members, and fellow law enforcement officers attended Deputy Bernard’s funeral service in Greenport on Nov. 12, Hudson Valley 360 reported.
The CCSO’s motorcycle color guard led the funeral procession through town to the Cedar Park Cemetery, where mourners laid him to rest.
“Please join us in sending your thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of Deputy Roberts,” the CCSO said in the press release.
Deputy Roberts leaves behind his wife, Fulgencia, as well as his six children, Jayden, Tristin, Tristina, Adriana, Niya, and Hillary, according to his obituary.
He is also survived by his mother and two brothers.
“Bernard was a loving son, husband and father and will be greatly missed,” his obituary read.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Columbia County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Bernard Roberts, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
Sandy Malone
