Bruce currently serves as a deputy chief in emergency services with Lincoln Fire & Rescue. His career began in 1983 as a firefighter. Bruce has served as fire apparatus operator on HIT 1 hazardous materials unit, and captain of hazardous materials engine companies. He is currently one of six duty shift deputy chiefs and is responsible for the management of seven fire stations and approximately half of the 88 on duty personnel on a 24 hour duty shift. Bruce has been involved in several department committees. For many years he has managed the department's hazardous materials program to exceed Federal Response Compliance. Bruce served on the 1997 International Association of Fire Chiefs Accreditation team and the 2002 and 2008 re-accreditation of the department. Bruce is also a member of Nebraska Task Force 1 for the FEMA Urban Search and Rescue team. He serves as a task force leader and responded to the World Trade Center incident after the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, hurricane Katrina, and the Greensburger, KS tornado.

Bruce is a graduate Western Illinois University with a Bachelors degree in Fire Administration. He has also earned a degree from Southeast Community College, Fire Protection Program and has attended more than 30 different National Fire Academy and Fire Service courses. Bruce was a participant and graduate of Leadership Lincoln Class XII. He is a lead instructor for the National Fire Academy for several hazardous materials and domestic preparedness courses. For over 20 years, he has taught in the Community College system, fire service, U.S. Air Force, State of New Mexico, and private industry. Bruce graduated from the four year National Fire Academy, Executive Fire Officer Program in 2007.

Bruce has participated in and has been a member of the following committee's and organizations: Society of National Fire Academy Instructors, National Fire Protection Association - Education Section, International Association of Fire Chiefs, Lincoln Fire & Rescue, Toastmasters Club, National Managers Association, and the International Association of Firefighters. He is also actively involved in the Boy Scout Troop #8 and East High School P.T.O.

Bruce has received numerous awards including: Certificate of Merit, Certificate of Commendation, Honorary Firefighter, Person in Blue Award, several Phoenix Awards, Unit Performance Citations, and Fitness Awards. Bruce has earned the Eagle Scout award and Order of the Arrow - Vigil Honor from the Boy Scouts of America.