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Bob Herbert, longtime aide to Harry Reid, killed in car crash

Updated September 27, 2021 - 7:46 am

Bob Herbert, a former longtime aide to U.S. Sen. Harry Reid and a major general in the Nevada Army National Guard, was killed Friday in a car crash.

Herbert, 64, worked for Reid between 2001 and 2017, serving Reid during his stints as majority whip, majority leader and minority leader. Most recently, he was a lobbyist with the Porter Group, headed by former Nevada Congressman Jon Porter.

“It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that I share with you the passing of my good friend, Major General Bob Herbert,” Reid said in a statement Saturday. “Bob was highly respected and well-loved. I met Bob when he was a pilot for the National Guard, flying me and my staff around on a helicopter to observe Nevada’s wilderness areas and military installations more than two decades ago.

“He later started working in my Senate office and worked with me until I retired in 2017, all while serving in the Nevada Army National Guard.”

Herbert joined the U.S. Army at age 18 in 1975 and served until 1982. He originally came to Nevada to serve as a test pilot. He stayed in the state and served in the Nevada Army National Guard, eventually rising to the rank of major general.

In Reid’s office, he worked on transportation, energy and national security issues.

He was so well-regarded, the Yerington City Hall was recently named in his honor.

“Bob was a loyal and passionate friend whose legacy in the state of Nevada and the country will not be forgotten. He will be greatly missed,” Reid said. “Landra and I offer our condolences to his wife Karen, their family, and the many friends he made along the way.”

U.S. Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto also weighed in with condolences.

“I’m heartbroken to hear of the tragic death of Major General Robert Herbert,” she said in a statement. “Bob was a friend who dedicated his life to serving our state and nation. He made such a difference for so many people across Nevada and will be deeply missed. Paul and I are sending love to Karen and the whole family during this difficult time.”

Former congressman mourns

Porter, who served on the Boulder City Council and as mayor, in the Nevada state Senate and for three terms in the 3rd Congressional District, mourned Herbert’s death, too.

“I am overwhelmingly sad to have lost one of my best friends, treasured mentor and respected colleague, Major General Robert (Bob) Herbert, in a tragic accident,” Porter said in a statement. “The General, with his leadership and compassion, greatly improved the lives of millions of people, not just in Nevada but all around the country. General Herbert will be greatly missed and we extend our love and deepest condolences to Karen and his family.”

On Twitter, the Nevada National Guard praised Herbert’s work.

“We send our deepest condolences to the family of Maj. Gen. Robert Herbert, one of the most influential soldiers in advancing policy and initiatives in the Nevada Army and Air Guard over the course of the past 30 years. He will be extremely missed,” the Guard tweeted.

“Kathy and I join Sen. Reid and the State of Nevada in mourning the loss of Major General Bob Herbert,” Gov. Steve Sisolak said on Twitter. “He dedicated his life to serving Nevada, including through the Nevada National Guard. We are sending our love and condolences to Bob’s family, friends and loved ones during this time.”

Help to business

Herbert’s work, sometimes behind the scenes, earned him friends in the Nevada business community as well.

“Bob Herbert defined service to his country,” the Vegas Chamber said in a statement. “In addition to his sacrifice serving our nation in the Nevada Army National Guard, Bob was dedicated to improving Nevada through his work on Capitol Hill. The Vegas Chamber was proud to work with him on several issues, including the designation of Interstate 11, that will transform Nevada for the better for future generations.”

An announcement on services is pending.

Details of the crash, including its location, were not available as of late Sunday.

Contact Steve Sebelius at SSebelius@reviewjournal.com. Follow @SteveSebelius on Twitter.

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