Off the Clock: Deputy Chief Mark Bruley
We rarely get to see what local officials do when they’re not working. But we will this summer. CCX News is kicking off a new series called “Off the Clock.”
Seeing Police as Real People
It’s not often you get to see Brooklyn Park Deputy Chief Mark Bruley at home with his family. He says it’s sometimes hard for the community to see police as real people.
“We’re husbands, we’re mothers, we’re fathers, we’re community members, we shop at the same businesses,” said Bruley, who has been with the Brooklyn Park Police Department since 1995.
When he’s not reeling in bad guys, he’s casting a line for bass, walleye and crappies. Bruley practically grew up with a fishing rod in his hands.
“I started out fishing walking down to my house, to a little creek that had bullheads in it,” Bruley explained.
He found a way to incorporate his love for the lure by co-founding the Cops N Kids Fishing Tournament 10 years ago. The event helps at-risk kids in Brooklyn Park to build positive relationships with police.
Bruley’s Passion Turns into Titles
Bruley first started fishing for fun, but then the love of the sport progressed into something much bigger.
“As I got older and got into it more, I got my own boats and started traveling all over the country competing,” Bruley said.
Now, He often wins tournaments with his son. Two weeks ago, Bruley and his son won a bass tournament. He also turned his passion into a fishing guide business. His clients include former Vikings coaches Tony Dungy and Leslie Frazier.
Bruley says fishing is his happy place, helping him unwind from the daily grind of being a police officer.
“Kind of a recharge of my batteries by going fishing on the weekends with my family, doing a hobby that I love.”
