Retired trooper Blood fills as chief

Jana Mathia, Gazette Editor | May 07, 20200

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Bruce Blood

COLFAX – Bruce Blood has worn one uniform or another the majority of his adult life. Now he is donning another as the interim Chief of Police.

Blood was born and raised in Spokane. When he graduated high school in 1972, the Washington State Patrol had a requirement that troopers be at least six feet tall. At five feet, seven inches, Blood could not apply and joined the Air Force. He served as a navigator on a B52 bomber, including one year with the United Nations serving in Israel and Syria as a major.

"It was truly fascinating," he said of the countries. It was just after the first Gulf War, so his family was not able to accompany him. After that year, he returned to the U.S. and was stationed at Langley until his retirement in 1995. Then his family trekked it across the country to return to the Inland Northwest.

While Blood was in the Air Force, the WSP had scrapped the trooper height requirement. He applied and became a trooper in 1995. He remained with WSP for 23 years.

"The bulk of my career was spent right here in Eastern Washington," he said Colfax was part of his "beat."

Blood retired from WSP in August 2018. He "immediately got bored" and started driving school bus for Cheney. Then he and his wife moved to Orlando, Fla., where they fulfilled a dream of working for Disney. Blood worked in the parking division at Disney World. He said he had a ball, but the weather didn't agree with them, so they returned to Eastern Washington.

Shortly after returning, he was contacted about the interim chief position by Mayor Jim Retzer, who is also a WSP trooper.

Blood was appointed by Mayor Retzer and began May 1. His appointment must be approved by the city council within 30 days.

"I want to regain the public's trust and their perception of professionalism," Blood said. As teamwork is very important, he is incorporating "Team Colfax" into the department. With the banner themes of safety, courtesy, professionalism and efficiency, he think the Colfax Police Department can become a successful organization.

"My first inclination is always the educational approach," Blood said of his enforcement style.

"Even after 23 years, I still have great faith in people."

Throughout his state patrol career, Blood tried to be "firm but fair," and plays to implement the same policy in Colfax.

"There's extenuating circumstances out there," he said.

As interim chief, Blood plans to go through the policy manual to update it. Working with the city council and city attorney, he wants to get the best policies in place for the officers and citizens.

In regards to hiring for the department's empty spot, he has already discussed the matter with Mayor Retzer and hopes to hire laterally for officers with experience and then new recruits.

Chief Blood said he is very open and if any citizens have concerns he is willing to meet and discuss with them.