WATSONVILLE—Former Watsonville Police Deputy Chief Terry Traub died at his Watsonville home on March 20. He was 55.
After working at Scotts Valley Police Department for around nine years, Traub switched over to WPD in 1997 when he was hired by then-Chief Terry Medina.
Traub climbed his way up the ranks and served in a number of areas, including the Gang Task Force, Narcotics and Investigations, before retiring in 2017. He also instructed at the Police Academy.
“He mastered every assignment he took on,” said former WPD Chief Manny Solano. “He was all about serving his community and his county.”
Traub had been battling pancreatic issues.
Longtime friend and retired Scotts Valley PD Sgt. Donna Lind described Traub as “having huge heart, strong in his faith, very dedicated. Even with his battle with health problems he still kept coming back to help and lend a hand in his community.”
On the Fallen Officer Foundation, Lind wrote: “It is with great sadness that we announce the death of retired Watsonville Deputy Chief Terry Traub…Terry and his wife Sandra (“Sam”) also served as a Board Member with the Fallen Officer Foundation. Terry was also very proud to have served his country as a Marine. He will be greatly missed and remembered.”
