 Bruce Bender is a retired Police Officer with over 24 years of service with the City of Marion, IN. and the US Army Military Police. Since retirement from law enforcement, he became the Director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security for Grant County, IN for 14 years retiring in 2020. June of 2020 Bruce returned to Grant County Government as the Health Department Emergency Preparedness Coordinator. Bruce has been involved in the Martial Arts since 1969. He currently holds a 7th degree Black Belt in Judo and a 4th degree Black Belt in Jujitsu. He is a Life Member of the United States Judo Association, United States Judo Federation, and a member of USA Judo. He is a certified International Coach, Regional Referee, and Kata Instructor. During his career in law enforcement, he developed and oversaw the Defensive Tactics Program at the Police Dept. He was Law Enforcement Academy certified in PPCT Control Techniques instructor prior to his retirement and taught Indiana Law Enforcement Academy certified classes around the Midwest. This includes instruction of Defensive Counterstrikes, Pressure and Motor Points, Handcuffing techniques, Handgun Retention, and the use of Impact Weapons. Bruce is an ILEA firearms expert and past "Top Gun" winner for the Marion Police Dept. He has taught numerous self-defense and awareness seminars around the area sponsored The Grant County Domestic Violence Awareness Division at Indiana Wesleyan University He is a past recipient of “Indiana Coach of the Year” for Indiana, and Marion PAL Judo was named “School of the Year” for Indiana in 2004, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018. Bruce and his coaches hold a sanctioned Regional Tournament each November in Indiana called the Red, White, and Blue Classic. Bruce is an authorized trainer with the Center for Domestic Preparedness and a passed certified instructor with the Indiana Law Enforcement Training Board. He is certified with the American Heart Association in CPR, AED, and First Aid. Center for Domestic Preparedness – National Incident Management Systems (Federal) Associated with the Indiana Department of Homeland Security Membership commitments include: Grant County Sheriff Department Merit Board United States Judo Association Life Member USA Judo (National Governing Body) United State Judo Federation Indiana Judo Incorporated (Past President) Indiana Judo Incorporated (Past Vice–President) Grant County Crimestoppers Board of Directors Emergency Management Alliance of Indiana (Retired) International Association of Emergency Managers. (Retired) Grant County Local Emergency Planning Committee (Past Chairperson) Fraternal Order of Police Indiana Department of Homeland Security District 6 (Past Chairperson) Marion Police Department “Use of Force” consultant (Past) Marion Aero Club (Past Treasurer) Grant County Emergency Management/Homeland Security consultant (Past Director) Grant County Emergency Management/Homeland Security consultant (Past Deputy Director) Awards & Commendations 2025 Honorary Associates Degree from IVY Tech 2023 City of Marion, Champion of the Month (January) 2021 Serve Indiana Lifetime Achievement Award 2018 Indiana Judo Outstanding School of the Year 2018 Grant County’s Martial Arts School of the Year 2017 Jr. Pan Am Coach (Lima, Peru) 2017 Indiana Judo Outstanding School of the Year 2016 Indiana Judo Outstanding School of the Year 2016 Grant County’s Martial Arts School of the Year 2015 Indiana Judo Outstanding School of the Year 2015 Grant County’s Martial Arts School of the Year 2014 Grant County’s Martial Arts School of the Year 2012 Grant County’s Martial Arts School of the Year 2011 “Good Scout Award” from the Sagamore Council BSA. 2007 Grant County’s Martial Arts School of the Year 2005 Grant County “Champion of Children Award” 2005 “Most Outstanding Senior Competitor” United States Judo Association 2005 World Master’s (5th Place) 2005 USA Judo Masters Hwt National Champion 2005 USA Judo Masters Open Div Silver Medalist 2005 Jr. Pan Am Coach (Costa Rica) 2004 Indiana Judo Outstanding School of the Year 2004 Jr. Pan Am Coach (Dominican Republic) 2003 USJA National Champion 2002 Indiana Coach of the Year 2 X Indiana State Masters Judo Champion Past Georgia State Champion Law Enforcement 2004 Exchange Club “Officer of the Year” finalist 2002 “Top Gun” Winner Letter of Commendation: 1999 1997 Crime stoppers “Officer of the Year” Letter of Recognition: October 2, 1997 Letter of Commendation October 21, 1995 1994 Crime stoppers “Officer of the Year” Letter of Recognition: October 27, 1994 “Meritorious Service Life Saving Award” 1987 |
