Bruce was half fire fighter and half cowboy—living out two dreams in his life. He started his firefighting career as a member of the Williamsville (Illinois) Volunteer Fire Department and joined the Columbia Fire Department in May 2000, rising to the rank of lieutenant.

Bruce was killed in the line of duty on February 22, 2014, while evacuating a student apartment building on the campus of the University of Missouri after a second-story walkway collapsed.

Bruce was born November 23, 1965, to Stormy and Wanda Britt in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, and raised in Williamsville, Illinois. Bruce graduated from Williamsville High School and Lincoln Land Community College in Springfield, Illinois. He spent a few years working on a ranch in northeast New Mexico before moving to Columbia and joining the Columbia Fire Department. Bruce took pride in mentoring younger firefighters and helping them grow in their careers.

On days he was not on duty, Bruce took great enjoyment from being on horseback. He had several horses at any time and would train horses for others. Bruce worked at the Callaway Sale Barn for several years for a good opportunity to ride horses.

Bruce was a caring and loving father, son, and brother, and a loyal friend to many. Bruce was a good man with a kind heart who would help anyone in need, and he stood for the truth. He had an incredible, gentle spirit behind the rough exterior, and he was a fierce defender of family and friends. All kids should be lucky enough to grow up with such a man in their life, and all adults would be blessed to have such a brother or friend. Bruce knew Jesus as his Savior, and we can all rejoice through the tears knowing that we will see him again. Truly, Bruce led a blessed life.

He leaves behind his wife, Leigh; daughter, Stormy Ann; two sons, Paden and Ethan; mother, Wanda (Howard); two sisters, Heidi (Ron) and Kristi (Brian); and nephews, Clay, Kenyon, Avery, and Chase.