Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Bruce graduated with me we were great friends I was shocked to hear he will be remembered everyday God bless him and he will be never forgotten

Kurt babb
Retired whitley county sheriffs department

April 12, 2022

Bruce and I were friends since first grade at Powers. We did judo together in 5th grade. We camped and waterskied many times. In gym he was so strong he could climb the ropes with just his hands! He moved to Indiana in high school. I ran into him at Michigan State. After all these years I reflect on Bruce’s life,and am saddened. He was a genuinely kind and humble man.

Bob Trumbo
Civilian

September 4, 2021

Tonight, the Roseville PD "Night A" crew went to the park dedicated in your honor in the City and picked up trash as we do every year. Our crew is very young this year, including an officer in his 2nd month of training.

We will continue to do our best to tell your story to our new officers and carry on your legacy as to never forget the sacrifice that you and your family have made. Rest in peace brother. We have it from here.

Roseville Police (MN) Night "A"
Roseville Police (MN) Night "A" Crew / 2020

May 16, 2020

Rest in peace Officer Russell. A sad anniversary, yet your daughter knows her daddy is a hero!

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 15, 2020

On May 16 1982, I was a 16 yr old kid heading to my cousins house on Draper Dr. The area was blocked off as officers seached for your killer. I will never forget that day. Your's was the first officer death I can remember.

Now after nearly 20 years as a cop, I still remember and honor your sacrifice. I drive by that spot on a regular basis and think of you and your family often. As I stand at the Memorial on May 15, I will be thinking of you again.

Thank you for laying down your life to protect that 16 yr old kid, and for your servie to the people of Roseville. God bless you Bruce.

Officer Tim Erickson
Maple Grove PD

May 13, 2016

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
God Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

May 16, 2015

I remember Bruce because he used to bring in the squad cars for radio work from time to time at our radio shop, Bruce was a great guy with a great upbeat attitude, always nice working with him, certainly a dedicated and hardworking officer who was also a people person who made friends easily, and someone who is missed in this old world - one of the things I've realized about officers like Bruce is they are on the surface regular guys, but when you get to know them you realize they have above average courage and desire to serve others. Thank you Bruce, rest easy in heaven sir. Matthew 25:21 "well done my good and faithful servant". Blessings & respect to Bruce's family & fellow officers. - Keith

Keith
Capitol Electronics Sr. Tech.

July 31, 2014

I was a volunteer with Falcon Heights Fire that evening, late afternoon and will never forget the manhunt and tragedy which cost many people a part of their lives and more so the loss of a husband, father. We brought food, coffee to those on duty that night and I likely passed by the man who killed this officer several times which still gives me the chills today.
Rest in peace with your creator God.

This is a time for more gun regulations, violence does no one any good ever!!!!

Mike-
Explorer post member/first aid/fire

July 5, 2014

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 30th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

May 24, 2012

O)fficer Russell you and Officer William Cook of the Metro-Dade Police Dept. were killed in a similiar fashion. Rest in peace and know your heroism will not be forgotten. Three years apart.In Miami- Dade the officers now have side panels because of your colleague's sacrifice.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 15, 2012

I went to school with Bruce. I went into the State Patrol. He was the first Officer I knew personally to die on the job. He would not be the last. I still think of him now, in 2012. RIP Bruce. Ron

Sgt. Ron Quittem retired
State Patrol

April 16, 2012

In 1982 I was a new officer like yourself, just starting my career with the Circle Pines Lexington Police Department. I still remember learning of your passing, and the event that took your life. I attended your furneral on a bright sunny day, and remember how heart broken I was for you and your family. I still visit the memorial and ring the bell in your honor little brother, rest in peace.

Ptlm. Scott D. Parks
Retired Blaine PD

June 17, 2011

We will never forget!

Lieutenant Troy B.
Frankfort Police Department, IN

May 27, 2011

To The Family of Officer Russell:
I wanted to offer my sympathies on your tragic death. The bravery and courage you displayed Officer Russell will never be forgotten. Your death was similar to that of my friend and neighbor Metro Officer William Cook, who was shot between the panels on May 16, 1979. Back then, police in Dade County did not have these side panels, and because of heroes like Officer Cook, they now have them because of his ultimate sacrifice. Rest in peace Officer Russell.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 20, 2011

Dear Bruce,
Today marks your 29th year of your death. I was with Linda and Melissa(now 30) this weekend. Our daughter Sara and son Tom, attended the Minnesota Law Enforcement Memorial (LEMA) memorial service at the MN State Capitol last night. Our Governor Mark Dayton was there to honor the service of all the law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. Bruce, I have carried your story with me since May 16, 1982. Your friend Bob VanDenBroeke and I retired from law enforcement at the end of 2010. We have had a great career Bruce and know who would have too. We love you and miss you everyday. Your mom and dad are doing good too. They also miss you.
We will see you one day and have time to catch up on our lives. Keeping you in our prayers today, Your bud, Bud

Sheriff Byron 'Bud' Olson
Carver County Sheriff's Office

May 16, 2011

"The Badge"
He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.
He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.
Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.
He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.
His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.
He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.
And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.
But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.
Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.
Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.
So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.
In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.
Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.
Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

November 29, 2007

Bruce,
Recently met your father and he is an oustanding man and proud of you. Rest in peace as we continue to serve in your memory.

Offc. Michael Walker
Tallahassee Police Department

August 15, 2007

I did not know you personally but, even after all these years, I still remember being paged and going to assist you. The memories of that day have stayed with me through my 20+ year career as a LEO. I am now retired from an in the line of duty injury.

You are a real hero and will never be forgotten...

Falcon Heights Rescue Squad Member

April 18, 2007

Bruce, as we approach the 25th anniversary of your untimely death, I reflect on your life with us and smile that some thoughts of your early years. Your were a great kid and an even better man. Your mother, sister and I are and always have been very proud of you and your accomplishments. I know you are with us even in death. Love you son!

father, Darold

March 30, 2007

God bless you and your family.

January 18, 2007

Blue lights shine for you in Roseville this Christmas.
Thank you, Officer Russell.

Grateful Citizen of Roseville

December 22, 2006

Officer Russell, As a citizen of Roseville thank you for your sacrifice, you will never be forgotten

December 8, 2006

We are nearing the aniversary of your murder and just wanted to say thank you for your dedication. RIP brother.

Officer
Roseville

May 14, 2005

Bruce,

I just wanted to say how proud your Dad was of you. I spent a lot of time with him after my son got killed. Also that your death was not in vein, because of your death, I had someone to understand my pain and grief and helped me to heal.

Big "D" if you read this I want you to know how much I appreciate you spending the time with me after Brian's death. I love you as if you were my own "Dad".

Lt. Thomas D. Gleason
Florida Department Of Law Enforcment

February 28, 2004

I just wanted to write and say I am proud of the man you must have been. I say this because your father has gone on to serve with Concerns of Police Survivors and has now graduated the Polk Community College Police Academy because "he decided that he needed to know more about police officers. I thought I should probably join the academy,"
Thank you for your service.

Anonymous