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Thread: Lemuel Bruce a Arson investigator for the Houston Fire department is killed by an arsonist

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    Lemuel Bruce a Arson investigator for the Houston Fire department is killed by an arsonist

    https://www.khou.com/article/news/lo...ef=exit-recirc

    HOUSTON ? Houston arson investigator Lemuel Bruce not only served the city of Houston as a firefighter, but also his country in the Marines.

    Bruce was shot and killed Friday morning in a shootout with an arson suspect near the Heights. The suspect took his own life. Bruce died at the hospital.

    Marine Sergeant Alex Vergara met Bruce in 1997 when Vergara entered the fleet with HMH 461 MAG 26 2nd MAW. The two were crew chiefs on ECHO helicopters, flying combat missions as gunners and loadmasters in the late 1990s.

    "He didn?t tower above anybody, but he might as well have been a giant," Vergara said. "That laugh came in first, and he was immediately with an insult for you to say good morning."

    Vergara said he and Bruce still spoke sporadically after they both ended their active service.

    ?In my book, he was already a hero, but this just solidifies that," Vergara said.

    Bruce went on to serve 17 years with the Houston Fire Department, at stations 77, 96, 46, 42, 64, 6 and 12, including five years with the arson team.

    "He was a good guy. Happy go lucky Marine," said Mo Davis, who was a captain at station 46 when Bruce drove the ambulance there. "He was always happy."

    The Houston Professional Firefighters Association released a statement from Bruce's family:

    ?We are grateful for the outpouring of love and support from the HFD Family, the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association, and the public. We are mourning the tragic, untimely passing of our husband, father, son, firefighter and fire investigator, former Marine crew chief, and friend. As we begin to reflect on his life and what he meant to all of us, please know that he was forever dedicated to his family and to his profession. We appreciate your respect of our privacy for now. Thanks again for your support.?

    Funeral plans are still being sorted out. HPFFA President Marty Lancton said firefighters are keeping 24 hour watch over Bruce's body, and in constant contact with his family.






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    https://dfw.cbslocal.com/2020/10/22/...orial-service/

    HOUSTON (CBSDFW.COM/AP) – A Houston arson investigator who was killed in a shootout with a suspect was remembered Thursday as an excellent husband, a good friend and someone who dedicated his life to the service of his community.

    Hundreds of people attended a memorial service for Houston Fire Department Investigator Lemuel Bruce, who was fatally shot on Oct. 16.

    “I know I am better because of Bruce,” said Marc Rios, the investigator’s brother-in-law. “He motivated people. He inspired people and everywhere he went he made things better.”


    Police said Bruce, 44, died while he was investigating a recent string of fires in northwest Houston. He was following a suspect in a vehicle when he was shot, according to authorities.

    The man authorities say killed Bruce, Joshua De La Cerda, later died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, police said.

    During Thursday’s service, Fire Chief Samuel Pe?a said that Bruce, who was known to friends and family as “DJ,” was a talented overachiever who had an “unwavering dedication” to his family and his community.

    “This city is better because of the positive impact DJ had in our community,” Pe?a said.

    Bruce, who had been with the department for 17 years and had also served in the Marines, was married and had two children.

    He was the agency’s first fire investigator to have been killed in the line of duty, according to authorities.

    (? Copyright 2020 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

    Age for Lemuel Bruce has been released at the time of death (44) and Joshua De La Cerda has been identified as the shooter in Bruce's death.

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