Patrolman Charles E. Bruce, Fort Lauderdale Police Department, Florida

Patrolman Charles E. Bruce

Fort Lauderdale Police Department, Florida

End of Watch Wednesday, August 24, 1983

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Charles E. Bruce

Patrolman Charlie Bruce succumbed to injuries he received when he was involved in a motorcycle crash on Wednesday, August 3, 1983, at 12:45 p.m.

Patrolman Bruce was traveling north on Atlantic Boulevard when a vehicle made an illegal U-turn in front of him. He was unable to avoid hitting the side of the vehicle, and he flew into the air. The impact of the crash and the force of hitting the ground caused his helmet to fall off.

He was transported to North Beach Community Hospital, where he was unable to recover from a fractured pelvis and injuries to his chest, abdomen, and head and died three weeks later.

The driver was charged with making an improper U-turn.

Patrolman Bruce was a United States Army veteran and had served with the Fort Lauderdale Police Department for 22 years. He was survived by his wife, daughter, and three sons.

Bio

Age 46
Tour 22 years
Badge Not available
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Motorcycle crash
Incident Date Wednesday, August 3, 1983

motorcycle, motor officer, routine driving, patrol

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Patrolman Bruce,
On today, the 40th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice- of just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Army as a member of the 101st Airborne Division-the “Screaming Eagles!” And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Airborne All The Way!

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

August 24, 2023