Sheriff's spokesperson Rob Bryn dies at 61

Posted: Mar 1, 2012 7:33 PM by Ariel Wesler
Updated: Mar 2, 2012 5:48 PM

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The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Department is mourning the loss of one of its own. Rob Bryn, 61, was found dead at his home just before 11 a.m. Thursday. Bryn was the agency's Public Information Officer and Crime Prevention Specialist.

Deputies went to check on him after he didn't show up to work. Officials say Bryn appeared to die of natural causes.

He was the department's right hand man for information, but he was also a dear friend. He meant so much to so many of us at KSBY News and in the local media. He was a reporter's dream, a guy you could call at all hours of the night with questions and he will be greatly missed.

Bryn constantly connected us with information so we could pass it on to you. He was the spokesperson for the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Department since 2007 and appeared often on our airwaves.

"Normally, Rob's able to tell me exactly who's coming, prepare what I'm going to say, so even though it's not Rob, I decided to bring rob with us," said Sheriff Ian Parkinson during a press conference Thursday afternoon.

Bryn began his career locally with the Morro Bay Police Department from 1982-1986 and served with the San Luis Obispo Police Department from 1986-2005.

Representing the sheriff's department was no easy task, but somehow Bryn always seemed to find the lighter side.

"He was my constant source of entertainment," Parkinson said.

And ours too, even during a routine microphone check for an interview I did with him Wednesday. It would be our last.

"We're with Ariel, the wonderful Wesler as opposed to the other Weslers you can't trust," Bryn said with a laugh.

But we trusted him for years and the information he gave with a smile.

"These are pretty big shoes to fill," Parkinson said. He understood the value in humor."

Bryn was not shy about his political affiliation. Parkinson said the man loved three things in this order: His two daughters, the sheriff's department and the Republican Party.

Bryn worked closely with local Congressman Kevin McCarthy, who released this statement Thursday.

"I was shocked to learn of Rob's passing today. He was a close friend who I have been honored to know for over 25 years. He embodied the very spirit of our community; he was passionate, caring and selfless, and will be greatly missed in our community. My thoughts and prayers are with Rob's family and loved ones as we all mourn this tragic and unexpected loss."

Morro Bay Police Chief Tim Olivas says Bryn was one of his field training officers when Olivas started his law enforcement career in Morro Bay in the 1980s. He shared his thoughts with KSBY News.

"I considered Rob to be a close friend and mentor. I am deeply saddened by his loss and will miss his friendship dearly, as I know many in this county will. To know Rob was to love Rob. My sincere condolences to his immediate family and to his extensive law enforcement family."

No funeral plans have been set yet.