Thousands Turn Out To Say Goodbye To Warren Rupf

Several hundred law enforcement officers from throughout the Bay Area were among thousands of people who turned out this morning, Thursday, to honor former Contra Costa County Sheriff Warren Rupf at a memorial service in Pleasant Hill.

Rupf, 69, died Aug. 9 after a battle with leukemia. His death came more than a year after his retirement as sheriff, a position he had held for 18 years.

Roughly 2,000 people packed into the Christ the King Church on Brandon Road for the 10 a.m. memorial. Friends, family members and former colleagues watched as Rupf's casket, draped with an American flag, was carried toward the altar.

Retired undersheriff Ron Jarrell was among those who spoke at the service.

"His value, his energy and his wisdom in addressing statewide law enforcement issues drew him instant credibility from his peers. He was a 'sheriff' in capital letters," Jarrell said.

Bay City News