Officer of the Year

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Monterey Police Department
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Monterey, CA 93940

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Service, Commitment, Honor

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OFFICER OF THE YEAR

Detective Mike Bruno

Mike Bruno began his service with the Department on September 1, 2005.  From early on, he demonstrated maturity, confidence, and the skills of an officer beyond his years.  His eagerness to continually improve himself and to become the best he can be is both readily apparent and inspiring. 

Throughout 2008, Detective Bruno demonstrated great drive and initiative, which are the hallmark qualities of all police officers who pursue excellence. During a 60-day period spanning January and February of 2008, he effected 32 misdemeanor arrests and 17 felony arrests.  These included 7 arrests for 11550 (under the influence of narcotics) and 9 arrests for DUI (driving under the influence of narcotics or alcohol).  Bear in mind this is just a two-month snapshot of Mike’s outstanding performance while working patrol in 2008.

In April 2008, over a two-day period, as part of the statewide “Click It or Ticket” campaign he issued 29 seatbelt violation citations.

In October 2008, Mike made a consensual contact with an individual, who turned out to be a former parolee and drug dealer, who also happened to be under the influence of a controlled substance.  Mike subsequently developed information from this person about another individual running a marijuana growing operation in an apartment building in Monterey. Mike coordinated the investigation and subsequently led a raid on the suspect’s apartment. The operation turned out to be quite elaborate with three separate grow rooms being discovered and a number of plants being confiscated.  The suspect was arrested and a hazardous marijuana grow operation was removed from a residential apartment complex.  Needless to say, the neighborhood was very happy and grateful for Mike’s efforts.

In December 2008 Mike was recognized for his exceptional investigative skills by being selected as a detective and continues to serve in this position today.  He is recognized as a very hard worker, who goes out of his way for others. He is liked and respected by his co-workers, professional peers, and members of the community.  Mike has a reputation for genuinely caring for and being deeply committed to the policing profession and the citizens we serve.  He has demonstrated that he embraces the Department’s Mission which is, “Responsive to All, Second to None, Every Time”, as well as our Axiom of “Service, Honor & Commitment" and that he has a strong desire to advocate and teach these principals every chance he gets. 

 Mike has a great opportunity before him – an opportunity to continue to make a difference in people’s lives simply by being a great police officer – though we all know there is nothing simple about it.  Mike, and other law enforcement officers like him, bring pride, hope and promise for the future of policing through the trust and goodwill of those they serve, protect, and care for each and every day.

We are pleased to recognize and honor Detective Michael Bruno as the Monterey Police Department Officer of the Year for 2008.