CAL-JAC

The LEgacy of Captain ROBERT BRUCE

LATE LAST YEAR, the California fire service lost an invaluable member of its family. After a decades-long battle with job-related cancer, Robert “Bob” Bruce passed peacefully in early October.

Bob dedicated over 30 years to the fire service in the Sacramento area, serving Woodbridge, Manteca-Lathrop, and Sacramento Metroplitan communities. He retired after serving 18 years as an EMS Captain.

During his time with the Cal-JAC, Bob left a resounding legacy through his many accomplishments and contributions. He was a subject matter expert in the Terrorism Consequence Management (TCM) curriculum, spearheaded Active Shooter training and served as a lead trainer for the Unified Response to Violent Incidents (URVI).

Bob’s extensive knowledge and success as a firefighter made him a pivotal figure in shaping the future of the fire service. He was instrumental in building the pre-apprenticeship program, mentoring countless candidates who went on to become the pride of the fire service.

Bob’s mentorship journey began in the 1990s as a high school ROP instructor for the Cal-JAC, teaching Firefighter 1 and EMT. In 2017, he became an EMT Program Director and the lead instructor for three of the four EMT classes the JAC offered. Bob worked tirelessly to create a pathway for aspiring firefighters, contributing to the development of the FCTC Written Test and other critical resources. Up until a month before his passing, Bob served as a Clinical Coordinator for the 22-1 paramedic class.

Every action Bob undertook was driven by an unwavering passion and pride for the fire service. He exemplified its best qualities and left the profession stronger than how he found it. To honor his profound legacy and devotion to the service, the Cal-JAC named its Sacramento FCTC and Pre-apprenticeship training site after him: The Captain Robert Bruce Testing and Training Center.

Bob Bruce’s dedication, mentorship, and passion will continue to inspire generations of firefighters. His legacy is a powerful reminder of the impact one individual can have on their community and profession. While he is deeply missed, his contributions live on in the countless lives he touched.