Sergeant Bruce T. Clemonds, Jr., is dedicated to public service, both professionally and personally.
Professionally, he is assigned to the Field Operations Bureau as the grants coordinator for the Patrol. He writes, administers, and manages grant projects and identifies funding sources for the Patrol activities that otherwise might not be funded. Sergeant Clemonds has been instrumental in securing over $17 million in grant funding. Sergeant Clemonds also coordinates the Patrol's Community Oriented Policing Program. In that capacity, he write a booklet entitled, "Community Oriented Traffic Policing". This booklet serves as the philosophical foundation for the Patrol's community policing efforts. It has been adopted by departments in Australia, Israel and the United Kingdom, and served as a model for the Washington State Police's program.
Sergeant Clemonds is actively involved in the Missouri Victim Assistance Network, and was instrumental in establishing the patrol's Filling a VOID (Victims of Intoxicated Drivers) Program. This program has assisted more than 4,000 victims. Sergeant Clemonds has served in leadership in a number of professional organizations. He also shares his knowledge by being an instructor throughout the United States in the areas of grants management, community oriented policing, ethics, anti-terrorism and victim assistance.
Sergeant Clemonds has served the public not only as a Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper, but also as a military policeman in the Missouri National Guard. He served in the National Guard for twenty years, until he retired in 1994 at the rank of major.
Sergeant Clemonds spends his off-duty time volunteering for various causes. He is an avid supporter of cancer research and fund raising. The personal experience of losing his mother and other family members to cancer has influenced his dedication to this cause. Sergeant Clemonds coordinates a team each year in the Cole County Relay for Life. He has organized barbecues and other activities, raising $3,500 for this event. In addition, he travels to Santa Rose County, Florida, to participate in the "Light the Night" lymphoma benefit each year. He is an active member of the Capital West Christian Church and volunteers regularly for a variety of church activities.
It is the feeling of the board of The MASTERS that Sergeant Bruce T. Clemonds embodies what his public Service Award represents. His actions are a credit to himself and the Missouri State Highway Patrol.