Local public safety agencies, and the community as a whole, have experienced a heartbreaking loss with the unexpected passing of Chaplain Bruce Ingle. Chaplain Ingle, who was affectionately referred to as ‘Pastor Bruce’ volunteered countless hours comforting and supporting public safety personnel and members of the community in their times of need. Chaplain Ingle had also served as the Senior Pastor at the Gospel Tabernacle Church in Susanville since 1993.
Ingle, according to a Susanville Police Department press release, died on the evening of April 4th, while at home with his wife Debbie. He had recently undergone bypass surgery and was anticipating a full recovery, making his passing an unexpected tragedy.
Lassen County Sheriff Dean Growdon, who issued a statement Wednesday evening, detailed Ingle’s service as a public safety Chaplain.
“In 2004 Sheriff Bill Freitas recruited Pastor Bruce and other local clergy to create the Law Enforcement Chaplain Program,” explained Growdon. “The Sheriff’s Office collaborated with the Susanville Police Department in developing the program and Pastor Bruce completed his Chaplaincy training in 2004.”
Shortly after the Chaplain Program was implemented, Pastor Bruce joined the Susanville Fire Department where he served as a volunteer and Chaplain until his passing.
“Pastor Bruce was always available to come out and serve our community,” said Growdon. “Whether it be for critical incident stress debriefing, grief counseling, or general support, Pastor Bruce has always been there for us. He served with unwavering dedication to God and community, and a great deal of love and compassion.”
“The Passing of Pastor Bruce weighs heavily on the hearts of our public safety family and we will all miss serving alongside him.”
Services for Pastor Bruce Ingle will be held at the Community Church, 1400 Numa Road, on Monday April 10th at 2:00p.m. The Ingle family would like to extend an invitation to those who knew Bruce to attend.
Susanville City Fire Department Chaplain, Pastor Bruce Ingle, delivers a prayer at the department’s ceremony honoring those killed on September 11th, 2001.
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