Police Officer Bruce Jerome Armstrong P-8
(1947-2026)

 

 

Bruce was born on March 12, 1947 to Fire Department Building Inspector Vernon A. and Helen Dorothy (Ruoff) Armstrong. He attended Western Hills High School where he was a cellist in the state-wide renowned high school orchestra. He graduated in 1965. Bruce then attended the University of Cincinnati from 1965 to 1969, majoring in Business Administration.

Bruce joined the Cincinnati Police Division on July 30, 1972 in its 57th Recruit Class. On December 17, 1972, he was promoted to Police Officer, issued Badge Number 8, and assigned to District 1 (310 Lincoln Park Drive). On January 5, 1975, he transferred to District 5 (1012 Ludlow Avenue). At some point, Officer Armstrong was assigned to the District 5 Investigative Unit. On March 30, 1976, Officer Armstrong, based on a car description, captured a man who was feloniously assaulting and raping women in the Clifton area. On August 2, 1976, he and District Five Commander, Captain Joseph Staft were shot at by a man with a .357 Magnum. The man later attempted suicide, grazing his skull with another shot.

On October 27, 1985 Officer Armstrong was assigned to the Intelligence Section and remained there the rest of his career. He was considered the region’s expert on outlaw motorcycle gangs and motorcycle theft investigations. While working with an Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms Agent, on April 12, 1990, their car was rammed by a man they were investigating, and both officers were injured and taken to the hospital. The Department of Treasury commended him for his, “courageous efforts and outstanding assistance in an investigation of outlaw biker suspects [and] even after suffering severe head injuries, continued to assist in [the] subsequent arrest.” He coordinated and maintained all of the Section’s surveillance assets. He was also an Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy-certified instructor in conducted training at various law enforcement venues. In 1999, Officer Armstrong received the Rotary Club’s Superior Achievement Award. He was assessed by his supervisor as “the Section’s best producer.” Officer Armstrong retired on April 4, 2000 with 27 years of service and 57 letters of appreciation and/or commendation, including eight from Cincinnati Police Chiefs and one each from a Safety Director, City Manager, Kentucky State Police Captain, Hamilton County Sheriff, Department of Treasury Special Agent, Secret Service Special Agent, Union Township Police Chief, Hamilton Police Chief, and Municipal Court Judge.

Officer Armstrong was diagnosed with heart issues and was admitted to a nursing home. He died in the morning of May 14, 2026.

He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Donna S. (Gollahon) Armstrong, and son, Scott Christopher (Helen) Armstrong.

We will update this obituary  when more information is received.

 

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