Bruce D. Chamberlin

Bruce D. Chamberlin, 80, of Spencerville, IN, closed his eyes for the last time on this earth and opened them in the arms of Jesus on June 29, 2025, at Parkview Regional Medical Center – Fort Wayne. He was the son of Sears Hill Chamberlin and Helen Virginia McCollum and was born in Auburn, New York, on May 28, 1945. He and his brother Rich grew up on a dairy farm, where they developed a strong work ethic at an early age, by helping with daily chores on the farm. Following Bruce's father's death, when Bruce was 10 years of age, his mother remarried Kenneth Pickard several years later. Along with other responsibilities, Kenneth was the police chief in Jordan, New York, and greatly influenced Bruce's career choice. After attending Buffalo State College, Bruce embarked upon his long and distinguished career in law enforcement. Initially, Bruce served as a Buffalo Special Police Officer for the Buffalo Housing Projects. He was then hired by the Erie Lackawanna Railroad and assigned to work in Hoboken, New Jersey. He was sworn in as a police officer for the Cheektowaga, New York Police Department in 1970. He served in a number of capacities during his tenure with the department. One of the assignments he particularly enjoyed and fondly recalled was riding his Harley as a motorcycle officer. Throughout his almost 32-year career with the department, he rose through the ranks and was instrumental in implementing a number of initiatives, including the department's Field Officer Training Program. He also organized and commanded the department's first S.W.A.T. team. Bruce was appointed as the department's Chief of Police in 1990. In that role, he initiated and implemented a number of notable programs, including continued quality performance and community policing. Bruce invited and encouraged the input and involvement of the community with their law enforcement partners. In his role as chief, he was a visionary leader and facilitator who motivated, supported, and mentored the officers who had the honor and privilege of serving under his direction. In 2002, Bruce retired and moved to Indiana to be with his then-fiancée, Nancy, where he continued to involve himself with the law enforcement community. He served as an adjunct Criminal Justice professor and, most recently, as a civilian employee of the Avilla, Indiana, Police Department. In addition to his stepfather Kenneth, other family members shared his commitment and dedication to law enforcement service – his son Scott, his brother Rich, his sister-in-law Jane, and his wife Nancy. Bruce's hobbies included cowboy action shooting, hunting, reloading ammunition, reading, listening to a wide genre of music, being a Civil War history buff, and one of his favorite pastimes, doting on his beloved Great Danes, Franklin and Tim. They were frequent fixtures at the local Dairy Sweet, where you could find them indulging in milkshakes and pup cups together. Bruce is survived by his wife Nancy, with whom he shared 29 wonderful years; son Scott (Carrie) and his three granddaughters Allie, Megan, and Julia; brother Rich (Jane) and two nieces Melissa (Justin) and Jessica (Joseph), along with two grand nieces and one grand nephew; stepsister Suzanne Field, four nephews Bobby, John, Michael, and David, five grand nieces and four grand nephews. Bruce was also loved and cherished by Nancy's family in Indiana, which included her three siblings and their spouses and a host of multi-generational nieces and nephews. Family gatherings often included in excess of 50 people. Uncle Bruce was a bit overwhelmed by such a large family. Initially, he just tolerated the festivities and chaos and was often the first to leave. Over the years, however, he grew to enjoy them (especially the food) and even looked forward to them. Bruce also enjoyed spending time and catching up with his lifelong friends Bill Zenosky, Bill Dickman, and Bob Field. The family would like to express their extreme gratitude to Chief Glen Wills and the entire Avilla Public Safety Community for their heroic, life-saving efforts when Bruce collapsed at the police department early last week. They have also been a great source of strength and comfort throughout this difficult journey. Bruce loved going to work each week and cherished the camaraderie that he shared with his "brothers in blue". They played a pivotal role in his recovery from two recent strokes. Bruce's love for his family and his unwavering dedication to public service and community safety will never be forgotten. At 6'8", he was a gentle giant. Although a man of few words, he exuded a quiet strength and was the calm in our storms. We are so grateful for the wisdom he imparted to us and the example that he set for living an honorable life. He will continue to be our North Star and our guiding light. Rest easy, Bruce – we've got the watch from here. Visitation will be held in Fort Wayne at Fairhaven Funeral Home (6557 North Clinton Street) on Monday, July 7, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at 10:30 am with visitation one hour prior. The burial at Leo Memorial Park will follow the service. A service in Cheektowaga, New York, to honor and celebrate Bruce's life will be held in the coming weeks, with the date and time to be determined. Memorial donations in Bruce's honor may be made to the Tunnels to Towers Foundation, which helps America's heroes by providing mortgage–free homes to Gold Star and fallen first responders' families with young children. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared online at www.FairHavenFortWayne.com