Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I heard your name today and knew I had to look you up and leave a reflection. I hope you and your family know that the members of the Detroit Police Department still honor your service and sacrifice. Until we meet in person.

Sergeant
Detroit Police Department

November 23, 2023

I worked with Bruce at the Major Crimes Mobile Unit (the BIG FOUR) which is where he was assigned at the time of his death. Not only was he a great cop, he was a truly nice guy. We went after the worst of the worst and I never doubted he had my back. I dont remember the exact case, but we locked up some guys wanted for murder. We did that a lot, but what I remember the most was how thankful the victims family was for the work we put into the case. And what was even more memorable was seeing those family members at Bruce's funeral, once again thanking us, and more importantly him. Sometimes we wonder did we do anything that mattered in our career. I think more than we will ever know. I cant remember Bruces brothers name, met him a few times before and after Bruce's death. He seemed like a great guy too. Must have run in the family. Im about to pull the plug soon after 49 years in the "business" . Been a great run, and enjoyed working with the likes of Bruce.

Robert Bulgarelli
(DPD retired Sgt.) Now with a "federal agency"

November 22, 2019

Bruce, at the time he was killed was assigned to the Special Crimes Section, Gang Squad. Code 4232. I was senior man on that car with Bruce. Me and Danny Root.
Bruce was my partner. I respected him. Trusted him. He trusted me. We were back to back in a lot of really tough times. I remember alot of times in deep stuff with Bruce. He had my 6.
It hit me hard when he got gunned down. I knew he would not go down without a fight. He was certianly a brave person. But... It went the way it did. And that's that. I retired 8 months after Bruce. Took early retirement.
"Homey don't play that!" He would say before he would put some wanna be tough gang banger in cuffs. So comical. Never seen him really get mad. Had a good attitude. Even under some intensely stressful stuff. Good cop.
I got his initials tattooed on my right arm as a reminder, for as long as I live of my partner Bruce Williams on code 4232 with me.
His wife was pregnant when Bruce was killed. I was there at the house that night and saw her crying. But she didn't know who I was. And I just prayed in silence. I never met his child. Or wife. But I would like to say I knew your dad. He was my partner. If I could ever meet you some day to see Bruce's son or daughter that would be important to me.
A wise man once said that in order to live a happy and fulfilling life you must sometimes live dangerously. I lived very dangerously many days with Bruce. We chose and loved it that way men like Bruce and I who chose the Gang Squad of all places at one of Detroit's most tested times.. And I can speak for how everyone might have seen Bruce. But when he was with me chasing bad guys in 4232? He was happy and following his heart.
God bless Bruce. I remember him every day.
I just found out about this site just tonite. I have never talked much to anyone about Bruce.
Feels nice finally.

Thank you for reading my comment.

[email protected]

P.O. George Allen, Retired
Detroit Police SCS Gang Squad. Partner code 4232

July 8, 2019

Rest in peace Officer Williams.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 5, 2019

RIP, didn't get to know him, but he is my cousin via his mom and her mom. I am also a retired law enforcement officer and have one son on Milwaukee's police department. Peace and blessings

Det. Ahmed Majeed
Milwaukee Police Dept

July 2, 2017

Your death was the first death that affected me. I saw the pain in everyones eyes and I felt the pain in my heart. Every christmas we would steal the Hash my mother was cooking and she would turn around and half of it would be gone, and she would yell at us. :-) I had a lot of good times with you in the short time we were together because I was very young when you passed away. The weird thing is that I remember it like it was yesterday..... Mom misses you everyday, and can barely talk about you, but the love has remained that she has for you. She still has your "cant tough this" motorcycle helmet that you had at their house when you died. I'll end my reflection of my memories of you here, but I love you Uncle b, until we meet again, look over us

jennifer james
Niece

January 18, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the twenty-first 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 murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, PPD, eow 4/24/05

December 5, 2011

Bruce and I went to high school together and on July 1, 1985 went to the Detroit Police Academy together. He was an outstanding officer, husband and friend. I will always remember when he and I worked together he demonstrated integrity courage and honor. He was a great guy!

Lt. Harold Rochon
Detroit Police Department

October 1, 2011

The memories of my Uncle are very faint but I hear the two of us had a very sweet bond. Everytime I put on my earrings I think of you because you took me to get them done. I only want to remember what I was told but I will say I have never been more proud to share your blood. For people to still talk about this man that took off and pierced my little tiny ears is a beautiful thing and it means a lot to know I'm related to greatness. I love you and forever yours... fufu

Alicia Michael
Niece

July 12, 2011

Missing you, loving you forever

Cynthia Ogletree
sister

July 11, 2011

Growing up with Bruce was an honor because he was the perfect example of how to conduct yourself with integrity. He taught me everything I knew on how to be a man of honor. I was in Iraq on that fateful day and i miss him and think of him every day. I tattooed his Badge and number 4835 in the hole that remains in the middle of my chest. He was a good son visiting mama all the time a special human being that didn't deserve to go out like that. I love and miss you big Brother. give a big hug to Tyrone our other brother who was murdered and died too young. "Lil Hugo"

SSGT MONTAIGU
Step Brother

July 10, 2011

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

December 4, 2007

"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 13, 2007

Although there is no picture, we all know what hero's look like. They wear badges and make sacrifices. Those we do not forget. Officer Williams, you are a true hero and you are not forgotten.

SPO
Salem, VA

December 5, 2006

your life and death has affected my life more than anyone can imagine. See u when i get there

bryan mitchell
nephew

September 1, 2006

Uncommon valor was a common virtue for you Officer Williams.
Rest in peace Hero.

Retired police officer.

August 11, 2004