Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

When the will defies fear,
when duty throws the gauntlet down to fate,
when honor scorns to compromise with death-
That is heroism.
R.G. Ingersoll

We will never forget that you are a hero, Bruce.

Love you & miss you dearly.

Anna & Hayley

November 12, 2024

The “initial suspect” Lisl Auman was rightfully released from prison as it was clear she was not involved in the murder of the cop, and did not partake in a burglary, she happened to be in the wrong place in the wrong time. The shooter is who committed the burglary. All hail Hunter S Thompson for his efforts in getting Lisl released! Police will not start being viewed in a positive light until they start being honest and held accountable!

Captain, Charles Groban
CUPD

May 8, 2024

Thank You Bruce, Thank you

Tom

November 14, 2023

Those we love don't go away.
They walk beside us every day.

We love you and miss you, Bruce.
Please keep watch over your darling daughter, Hayley.

Anna & Hayley

November 12, 2023

I met Bruce when I worked for Denver Paramedics. I was laying on the ground trying to stabilize a patient on an overturned vehicle. All of a sudden I see this smiling Denver Officer asking if I needed help. We became friends that day. My heart broke when he passed. It broke for his wife and daughter and our law enforcement, EMS, Fire and hospital family. I am now a retired Deputy. I went to the National Memorial and found him. I scratched his name on a paper and got a picture of myself next to his name. It stands in my front room everyday. I love and miss you my friend. You have earned your place in Heaven.

Retired Deputy Julia
Washington County

August 25, 2023

I've thought of you and your beautiful wife over the years and quietly say a prayer. I know you sit at the right hand of God for your sacrifice and blessings are bestowed on your family. Thank you officer Vanderjaqt

Reginna Homra
Resident of Denver since 1977

February 11, 2023

Officer VanderJagt,
On today, the 25th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Denver. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

November 12, 2022

"A Hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself."
Joseph Campbell

Bruce, you will ALWAYS be OUR HERO.

We Love You and Miss You Dearly on this 25th Anniversary of your Death.

Anna & Hayley

November 12, 2022

Last week I visited Bruce's inscription at the National Law Enforcement Memorial, recalling this is the 25th year since his death.

Bruce and I worked together for the University of Denver PD before he laterally entered Denver PD. We both enjoyed working in an academic environment because of the exposure to ideas -- although he was a much greater intellect than I am!

I left law enforcement for seminary the year before he died, but I continue to serve as a police chaplain. Three of my nephews are officers in different departments, and I have told them of Bruce and encouraged them to follow his example.

Rest in peace and memory, friend.

Chaplain Michael Stein
Loveland Colorado Police Department

March 27, 2022

All our lives changed the day Bruce died, but none as much as Anna's and Hayley. We honor the way Bruce lived and his profound love of his family.

Harry Queen, Retired Patrol and Janice
Denver Police Department

November 13, 2021

24 years ago, many lives changed the moment you were taken. We miss you tremendously.

Bob and Terri
Family

November 12, 2021

Gone 24 years today, but never forgotten.
We love you and miss you dearly, Bruce.

Anna & Hayley

ANNA VANDERJAGT

November 12, 2021

Met Retired DPD Officer Rich Phillips today. I mentioned I was the National C.O.P.S. Liaison to the Colorado Chapter of C.O.P. S. Phillips stated he was a dear friend and co-worker survivor. I gave him a Colorado State Patrol Challenge Coin in memory of you. Never Forgotten... I also cycle with 2700+ Officer cyclists for Chapter VII Police Unity Tour Challenge ride from NJ to DC where “We Ride For Those Who Died”

Trooper Bell Hee
Colorado State Patrol

February 19, 2021

And He will raise you up on eagle's wings.
Bear you on the breath of dawn.
Make you to shine like the sun.
And hold you in the palm of His Hand.

On this 12th day of November, we love you and miss you dearly.

Anna & Hayley

Anna VanderJagt

November 16, 2020

I CAME TO COLORADO IN FALL '81, AND IMMEDIATELY NOTICED THE 'NATIVE' STICKERS ON CARS. BRUCE V. WAS FROM GRAND RAPIDS, MI. BUT LOST HIS LIFE IN SERVICE TO DENVER. IF YOU REMEMBER AUG 11, '93 (THE SUMMER OF VIOLENCE) LORI ANNE LOWE WAS RANDOMLY MURDERED IN DENVER THAT NIGHT AS A GANG INITIATION. SHE HAD JUST ARRIVED FROM VAIL AND WAS LOOKING FOR A FRIENDS APT. SHE WAS A VAIL SKI INSTRUCTOR WHO AGAINST THE ADVICE OF HER VAIL FRIENDS DECIDED TO MOVE TO DENVER TO PERSUE HER EDUCATION IN SPECIAL ED. AS A SAD COINCIDENCE SHE WAS MURDERED BY PEOPLE WHO SHE MAY HAVE ENDED UP WORKING WITH. LORI WAS FROM GRAND RAPIDS, MI. BOTH BEING FROM GRAND RAPIDS IS NOT THE ISSUE HERE, BUT FROM NOW ON MAY WE ALL REMEMBER BRUCE AND LORI EVERY TIME WE SEE THESE 'NATIVE' STICKERS ON PEOPLES CARS, THAT THEY 'GAVE THEIR LIVES' TO BE HERE! BRUCE WARNER/AURORA, CO.

BRUCE WARNER, CIVILIAN
RELATIONSHIP: I AM FROM GRAND RAPIDS, MI.

September 25, 2020

Rest in peace Officer VanderJagt.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 1, 2020

In Valor there is Hope---Tacitus

Always in our Hearts.

Anna & Hayley

November 12, 2019

Sorely missed, never forgotten.

Anonymous
Denver, CO

November 10, 2019

Greater love hath no man than this,
that a man lay down his life for his friends.

John 15:13

Never forgotten, Bruce.
Always in our hearts.

Anna & Hayley

November 13, 2018

I started my career in law enforcement in 1997 when Bruce was taken from us. I attended his funeral. It was the first police officer memorial I attended, many would follow. I’m still chasing the wolves in society and putting them where they belong, behind bars. Every time I apprehend a dangerous felon, I think of how Bruce was killed trying to do the same. His sacrifice has motivated me throughout my career to keep pursuing the wicked so the good people in our society can live in peace. God bless you Bruce. Today, god bless the ones you left behind. God speed sir.

JT (Police officer)
SPD

November 13, 2018

The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion.
Proverbs 28:1

Remember the Fallen.
Remembering you, Bruce.

Thank you for the meaningful conversation, Gregg. Thank you for the heartfelt reflection.

Anna

May 15, 2018

In a chance opportunity this morning, I had the blessing of discussing Bruce’s story with his surviving wife. To have done so on this day is nothing short of God’s will. Well done Bruce. Rest well, Brother.

Gregg Marcantel, Captain (Retired)
Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office, Albuquerque, New Mexico

May 15, 2018

My daughter went to Cimmeron Elementary and was in your wife’s class.
I remember watching the new and my heart breaking for your family.
The school had a bench out side in your honor and many time I sat and prayed for your family.
I believe that when our love ones leave us to the other side they become our angles,
watching over us

Lisa

January 30, 2018

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

Anonymous

January 29, 2018

Rest in peace.

Lt. Jim Russo

November 13, 2017